Endoscope apparatus

Abstract

To provide an endoscope apparatus which is excellent in durability and is provided with a curved part of a structure capable of simplifying a manufacturing process.SOLUTION: An endoscope apparatus has: a curved part 7 composed of a coil; a curved wire 75 fixed to an end of the curved part; at least two guide parts 76 in which the curved wire is inserted and which are disposed inside the curved part; and a plurality of built-in objects 15, 16 inserted inside the curved part. One of at least two guide parts is arranged in a first area and the other is arranged in a second area opposite to a straight line with respect to a straight line connecting the respective central axes of the at least two of the plurality of built-in objects. The guide part is arranged in contact with at least one of the plurality of built-in objects and an inner surface of the curved part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope device having a bending portion. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, endoscope devices have been widely used in, for example, the medical field, the industrial field, etc. Among these, industrial endoscope devices used in the industrial field are inserted into, for example, industrial plants or jet engines, and are used for, for example, inspecting whether there are any defects or the like.

[0003] This type of conventional endoscope device has a long and slender insertion section. An observation window and an illumination window are provided at the tip of this insertion section. Illumination light is emitted from the illumination window. This illumination light illuminates a site to be inspected and observed inside the subject's lumen, etc. (hereinafter referred to as the inspection and observation target site). Reflected light from the inspection and observation target site enters the observation window and passes through an imaging optical system provided inside the observation window. At this time, the imaging optical system forms an optical image of the inspection and observation target site. This optical image is imaged on the light receiving surface of an imaging element. In response to this, the imaging element performs photoelectric conversion processing to generate endoscopic image data. An image based on this endoscopic image data is displayed by a display device.

[0004] In addition, this type of conventional endoscope device is equipped with an endoscope having a bending portion formed in a tubular shape in a predetermined area from the tip of the insertion portion. The bending portion of the endoscope is provided to ensure good insertability when inserting the tip of the insertion portion into the inside of a lumen or the like of a subject.

[0005] In conventional endoscope devices, the bending structure of the bending section includes, for example, a structure in which a plurality of bending piece members are connected using rivets or the like to allow the bending section to bend freely in at least one of the up-down direction or the left-right direction relative to the insertion axis. Another conventional bending structure of the bending section includes, for example, a structure that uses a tube member in which a plurality of slits are formed in the circumferential direction on the outer circumferential surface and arranged in the longitudinal axis direction.

[0006] Here, for example, in a conventional endoscopic device equipped with a bending section of a so-called two-way bending structure that allows the bending section to bend freely in either the up-down or left-right direction, an external force may be applied in a direction in which the bending section cannot be bent due to contact with the wall of the duct during insertion operation.

[0007] Furthermore, even in a conventional endoscope device equipped with a bending section that can be bent in four directions (up, down, left, and right), repeated insertion and removal from a subject may result in a large load being applied to the base end of the bending section. In such a case, in a conventional endoscope device, there is a possibility of partial damage due to stress applied to the connection parts of the bending pieces, such as rivets, or the slit parts of the tube member.

[0008] Furthermore, in conventional endoscope devices, a light guide that transmits illumination light and a signal line that is connected to an imaging unit are generally inserted inside the bending section, and therefore, when an external force is applied to the bending section, it is possible that the internal structures (light guide, signal line, etc.) may be adversely affected.

[0009] In view of this, some conventional endoscope devices use, for example, a coil to configure the bending structure of the bending section, as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-207735, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-207738, etc. In the bending section of the insertion section in this type of endoscope device, a part of the coil is processed to form a wire guide through which the bending wire is inserted and which prevents the bending wire from shifting in the circumferential direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-207735 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2009-207738 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] However, in the bending portions disclosed in the above-mentioned JP 2009-207735 A and JP 2009-207738 A, a part of the coil is processed into a wire guide having a complex shape, which complicates the manufacturing process of the bending portion and increases the manufacturing cost.

[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope device having a bending portion that is highly durable and has a structure that allows for a simplified manufacturing process. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an endoscopic device of one embodiment of the present invention has a bending portion formed of a coil, a bending wire fixed to the tip of the bending portion, a guide portion through which the bending wire is inserted and which is positioned inside the bending portion, and a plurality of internal objects inserted inside the bending portion, wherein the guide portions are each positioned symmetrically with respect to a line connecting the central axes of at least two of the multiple internal objects, and the guide portion is positioned in contact with the inner surface of the bending portion and the outer surface of at least one of the multiple internal objects. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an endoscope device having a bending portion which is excellent in durability and has a structure that allows for a simplified manufacturing process. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an endoscope device according to each embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an internal configuration in the vicinity of a tip portion of an insertion portion including a bending portion in the endoscope device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3]FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing components in the vicinity of a distal end portion, including a bending portion, of an endoscope device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view along the plane indicated by arrow [4] in Figure 2 [Diagram 5] Cross-sectional view along line [5]-[5] in Figure 4 [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion showing a configuration of a connecting portion between a bending section and a flexible tube section in an endoscope device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a bending portion in an endoscope device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is in a bent state; [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first modified example of a bending portion of the endoscopic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a bending portion of a second modified example of the endoscope device of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a third modified example of the wire guide in the bending portion of the endoscopic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a fourth modified example of the wire guide in the bending portion of the endoscope device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a bending portion of a fifth modified example of the endoscope device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows the wire guide in the bend of FIG. 12 . [Figure 14] A cross-sectional view taken along the plane indicated by the reference numeral

[14] in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing an internal configuration in the vicinity of a tip portion of an insertion portion including a bending portion in an endoscope device according to a second embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 16] A cross-sectional view taken along the plane indicated by the reference numeral

[16] in FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of the portion indicated by the reference numeral

[17] in FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the state when the bending portion is in a bent state. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing an internal configuration in the vicinity of a tip portion of an insertion portion including a bending portion in an endoscope device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] A cross-sectional view taken along the plane indicated by the reference numeral

[19] in FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing an internal configuration in the vicinity of a tip portion of an insertion portion including a bending portion in an endoscope device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] A cross-sectional view taken along the plane indicated by the reference numeral

[22] in FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing an internal configuration in the vicinity of the distal end side of a bending portion in an endoscope device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] A cross-sectional view taken along the plane indicated by the reference numeral

[24] in FIG. [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of a wire guide disposed in a bending portion in an endoscope device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] 26 is a cross-sectional view of a curved portion to which the wire guide of FIG. 25 is applied; [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of a modified example of a wire guide disposed in a bending portion in the endoscope device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] 28 is a cross-sectional view of a curved portion to which the wire guide of FIG. 27 is applied. [Figure 29] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of another modified example of the wire guide disposed in the bending portion in the endoscope device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 30] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing an internal configuration in the vicinity of a tip portion of an insertion portion including a bending portion in an endoscope device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 is a schematic perspective view showing only the inner cap applied to the curved portion of FIG. 30; [Diagram 32] A cross-sectional view taken along the plane indicated by the reference numeral

[32] in FIG. 30. [Diagram 33] FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view showing a modification of the inner base shown in the seventh embodiment of the present invention, in which only the inner base is taken out. [Diagram 34] Cross-sectional view of the curved section with the inner cap of Figure 33 applied [Diagram 35] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a bending portion in an endoscope device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 36]FIG. 36 is a schematic diagram showing a structure for attaching the front and rear caps to the extension restricting wire in the bending portion of FIG. 35 . [Figure 37] A cross-sectional view taken along the plane indicated by the reference numeral

[37] in FIG. [Figure 38] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the bending portion in the eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 39] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration in the vicinity of a tip portion including a bending portion of a scope unit in an endoscope apparatus according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 40] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing only an intermediate mouthpiece and a wire guide according to a modified example of the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 41] A cross-sectional view taken along the plane indicated by the reference numeral

[41] in FIG. [Diagram 42] FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the vicinity of a tip portion including a bending portion of a scope unit in an endoscope apparatus according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 43] A cross-sectional view of the curved portion along the plane indicated by the reference numeral

[43] in FIG. 42. [Diagram 44] Cross-sectional view taken along line

[44] -

[44] in Figure 43 [Diagram 45] FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the vicinity of a tip portion including a bending portion of a scope unit in an endoscope apparatus according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 46] FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the vicinity of a tip portion including a bending portion of a scope unit in an endoscope apparatus according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 47] FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the vicinity of a tip portion including a bending portion of a scope unit in an endoscope apparatus according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 48] FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a bending portion of a scope unit in an endoscope apparatus according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 49] A cross-sectional view taken along the plane indicated by the reference numerals

[49] -

[49] in Figure 48. [Figure 50] FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view showing a bending piece that constitutes a bending portion of a scope unit in an endoscope apparatus according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments. The drawings used in the following description are schematic, and the dimensional relationship and scale of each component may be different for each component in order to show each component at a size that can be recognized on the drawing. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated form with respect to the quantity of each component, the shape of each component, the size ratio of each component, the relative positional relationship of each component, etc. shown in each drawing.

[0017] First, a schematic configuration of an endoscope apparatus according to each embodiment of the present invention will be briefly described below. Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing one configuration example of an endoscope apparatus according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope device 100 includes a scope unit 1, which is an endoscope, and a main body section 4 and the like.

[0019] The scope unit 1 comprises an insertion section 2 and an operation section 3. The insertion section 2 is formed into an elongated, flexible tubular shape as a whole. The base end of the insertion section 2 is connected to the operation section 3. The insertion section 2 is configured by sequentially connecting a tip section 6, a bending section 7, and a flexible tube section 8 from the tip side.

[0020] In the following description, the end where the tip portion 6 is disposed in the direction along the longitudinal axis of the extension of the insertion portion 2 of the scope unit 1 is referred to as the tip side. The end on the opposite side to the tip side, i.e., the end where the operation portion 3 is disposed, is referred to as the base side.

[0021] Although not shown in detail, the tip portion 6 has a known basic configuration including a tip portion main body, an optical unit, an imaging unit including an imaging element and its driving circuit, and an illumination unit.

[0022] Here, the optical unit is provided inside the tip 6 of the insertion section 2 of the endoscope device 100 (not shown). This optical unit is made up of an observation optical system including an observation window 14 and a plurality of optical lenses. The observation window 14 is disposed on the tip surface of the tip 6, as shown in FIG.

[0023] The imaging element is a well-known electronic device composed of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor), or the like. A signal line 16 is connected to an imaging unit (not shown) including the imaging element. The signal line 16 extends from the tip 6 through the bending section 7 and the flexible tube section 8 to the operation section 3.

[0024] The illumination unit is composed of optical members such as an illumination window 13, and illumination devices such as a light guide cable 15. Here, the illumination window 13 is disposed on the distal end surface of the distal end portion 6. The illumination window 13 is connected to the light guide cable 15 that is disposed by passing through the insertion portion 2 and the operation portion 3.

[0025] The bending section 7 is a flexible tubular section that can actively perform bending motion in response to operation from the operation section 3. The tip of the bending section 7 is connected to the base end of the tip section 6. The tip of the flexible tubular section 8 is connected to the base end of the bending section 7. The base end of the flexible tubular section 8 is connected to the operation section 3. In this manner, the bending section 7 is provided between the tip section 6 and the flexible tubular section 8 in the insertion section 2, has a predetermined length, and is made of a flexible, elongated tubular member.

[0026] The bending portion 7 is connected to a bending operation lever 9 (described later) of the operation unit 3 by a bending wire 75. Here, the bending wire 75 is arranged by being inserted from the bending operation lever 9 of the operation unit 3 through the flexible tube section 8 and the inside of the bending portion 7. The tip of the bending wire 75 is fixed to the tip of the bending portion 7. The configuration shown in FIG. 1 is an example of a configuration in which two bending wires 75 are arranged. In other words, the scope unit 1 exemplified in this embodiment is configured as a two-way bending type endoscope.

[0027] By operating the bending operation lever 9, the bending wire 75 advances and retreats in the longitudinal direction within the insertion section 2. For example, when one of the two bending wires 75 is pulled toward the operation section 3, the bending section 7 bends toward the pulled side. In this way, the bending section 7 is configured to be freely bent in two predetermined directions in response to the operation of the bending operation lever 9.

[0028] The basic configurations of the tip portion 6 and the flexible tube portion 8 constituting the insertion portion 2 are the same as those of a conventionally known endoscope device, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The detailed configuration of the bending portion 7 will be described later.

[0029] The operation unit 3 has, for example, a bending operation lever 9, various operation members (not shown) of other types such as a push button type, and a connector unit 10. A tip connector 11 of a cable 5 extending from the main body unit 4 is connected to the connector unit 10. This electrically connects the operation unit 3 and the main body unit 4.

[0030] The main body 4 incorporates a central processing unit (CPU), ROM, RAM, control unit, image processing unit, light source, large-capacity storage device, display device 12, etc. A cable 5 having a tip connector 11 at its end extends from the main body 4. The display device 12 of the main body 4 displays images based on image data acquired by an imaging element (not shown) at the tip 6 of the insertion portion 2 of the scope unit 1, as well as various information generated in the control unit, etc. Note that the light source may be disposed in the insertion portion 2 instead of the main body 4.

[0031] With this configuration, when the bending operation lever 9 of the operation unit 3 is operated, the bending portion 7 of the insertion unit 2 is bent in a desired direction. In addition, by pressing a predetermined push button type operation member (not shown) of the operation unit 3, an image of the site to be examined or observed can be displayed on the display screen of the display device 12 in a predetermined form (such as a still image or a moving image).

[0032] The endoscope device 100 configured in this manner is used, for example, as follows: First, the user of the endoscope device 100 inserts the insertion portion 2 into the inside of a lumen or the like of a subject. At this time, the user appropriately performs a bending operation and introduces the tip portion 6 into the vicinity of the site to be examined or observed while watching the image displayed on the display device 12. Then, the observation window 14 of the tip portion 6 is positioned to face the site to be examined or observed.

[0033] As a result, the imaging element at the tip 6 of the insertion section 2 of the endoscope device 100 acquires an image of the site to be inspected and observed. The endoscopic image acquired in this manner is displayed on the display device 12. At the same time, the endoscopic image is recorded in a storage device as still image data or moving image data. Note that the form of the endoscope device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is one example. Therefore, the form of the endoscope device 100 is not limited to the form exemplified in FIG. 1.

[0034] [First embodiment] Next, a detailed configuration of the vicinity of the tip of the insertion section including the bending section in the endoscopic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figs. 2 to 7. Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an internal configuration of the vicinity of the tip of the insertion section including the bending section in the endoscopic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 2, a part is omitted in order to show the internal configuration of the bending section, and a part is cut to show the cross section. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing each component part in the vicinity of the tip including the bending section in the endoscopic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view along the plane indicated by the arrow [4] in Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view along the line [5]-[5] in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the main part showing the configuration of the connecting part between the bending section and the flexible tube section in the endoscopic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the state when the bending section in the endoscopic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is in a bent state.

[0035] As described above, the insertion section 2 is configured by connecting the tip section 6, the bending section 7, and the flexible tube section 8 in this order from the tip (see FIGS. 2, 5, 7, etc.).

[0036] The tip portion 6 is composed of a tip portion main body 61, an illumination window 13 and an observation window 14 provided on the tip surface of the tip portion main body 61, and internal component units (optical unit, imaging unit, etc.) not shown (see Figures 2, 3, etc.).

[0037] The tip body 61 is a tubular member formed in a generally cylindrical shape and having a hollow portion inside. The tip surface of the tip body 61 has openings in which the illumination window 13 and the observation window 14 are arranged. As shown in Fig. 3, the base end side of the tip body 61 is formed with a small diameter portion 61a formed to have a diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the tip surface. The tip of a front base 71 of the bending portion 7 described later is fitted onto the outer periphery of this small diameter portion 61a.

[0038] A light guide cable 15 is connected to the illumination window 13. This light guide cable 15 is extended from the tip portion 6 through the bending portion 7 and the flexible tube portion 8 to the operation portion 3. In addition, a signal line 16 extending from an imaging unit (not shown) in the tip portion 6 is also extended from the tip portion 6 through the bending portion 7 and the flexible tube portion 8 to the operation portion 3.

[0039] The bending portion 7 is composed of an outer tube 70, a front base 71, a rear base 72, a fixed base 73, a bending coil 74, a wire guide 76, etc. The outer tube 70 is a flexible annular member that covers the outermost circumference of the bending portion 7.

[0040] The front base 71 is a tubular member disposed on the tip side of the curved portion 7 and has the function of ensuring connection with the tip portion 6. The front base 71 has openings on the tip surface and the base end surface, and a hollow portion is formed inside. As shown in Fig. 3, a large diameter portion 71a is formed on the tip side, and a small diameter portion 71b is formed on the base end side.

[0041] The thin diameter portion 61a of the tip portion body 61 fits inside the thick diameter portion 71a. For this reason, the inner diameter of the thick diameter portion 71a is formed to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the thin diameter portion 61a of the tip portion body 61. In this way, the thin diameter portion 61a of the tip portion body 61 fits into the thick diameter portion 71a of the front mouthpiece 71, thereby connecting the tip portion 6 and the curved portion 7.

[0042] Also, the tip 74a of the curved coil 74 is wound around the outside of the small diameter portion 71b of the front base 71. Therefore, the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 71b is formed to be slightly larger (or equal) than the inner diameter of the tip 74a of the curved coil 74. In this way, the tip 74a of the curved coil 74 is slightly expanded around the small diameter portion 71b of the front base 71 and wound around the small diameter portion 71b of the front base 71, so that the tip 74a of the curved coil 74 is fixed and held by tightening the small diameter portion 71b of the front base 71. Therefore, the front base 71 also has a function of fixing and holding the tip 74a of the curved coil 74. In addition, for more secure fixation, it may be fixed by adhesion or soldering. In addition, the term "coil" generally refers to a member or structure in which a thin string-like material such as a wire or a conductor is wound in a spiral or whorl shape.

[0043] Further, the tips of two bending wires 75 are fixed at predetermined positions inside the small diameter portion 71b of the front mouthpiece 71. The two bending wires 75 are inserted from the tips of the bending portion 7 through the inside of the bending portion 7 and the flexible tube portion 8, and further extend into the inside of the operation portion 3. The bending wires 75 are connected to a bending operation lever 9. In this case, the two bending wires 75 are disposed in the bending portion 7 at positions that are opposed to each other and substantially symmetrical with respect to the central axis O along the long axis of the bending portion 7, as shown in FIG.

[0044] On the other hand, the rear connector 72 is a tubular member disposed on the base end side of the bending section 7 and has the function of ensuring connection with the flexible tube section 8. Similar to the front connector 71, the rear connector 72 has openings on the tip end surface and the base end surface, and a hollow section is formed inside. As shown in Fig. 3, a small diameter section 72b is formed on the tip end side, and a large diameter section 72a is formed on the base end side.

[0045] A front connector 81 (described later; see FIG. 3, etc.) of the flexible tube section 8 fits onto the outside of the large diameter section 72a. For that reason, the outer diameter of the large diameter section 72a is formed to be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the front connector 81 of the flexible tube section 8. In this manner, the large diameter section 72a of the rear connector 72 fits into the front connector 81 of the flexible tube section 8, whereby the bending section 7 and the flexible tube section 8 are connected.

[0046] Also, the base end 74b of the curved coil 74 is wound around the outside of the small diameter portion 72b of the rear base 72. Therefore, the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 72b is formed to be slightly larger (or equal) than the inner diameter of the base end 74b of the curved coil 74. In this way, the base end 74b of the curved coil 74 is slightly expanded around the small diameter portion 72b of the rear base 72 and wound around the small diameter portion 71b of the front base 71, so that the base end 74b of the curved coil 74 is fixed and held by tightening the small diameter portion 72b of the rear base 72. Therefore, the rear base 72 also has the function of fixing and holding the base end 74b of the curved coil 74. Note that for more reliable fixation, it may be fixed by adhesion or soldering.

[0047] The fixed cap 73 is a tubular member that fixes and holds a part of the light guide cable 15 and the signal line 16 that are inserted through the insertion section 2. As shown in FIG. 5, the fixed cap 73 is fixed in a state of being sandwiched between the rear cap 72 and the front cap 81 of the flexible tube section 8. The fixed cap 73 has a function of suppressing a positional deviation in the circumferential direction while ensuring the movement of the bending wire 75 in the longitudinal direction. For this purpose, the fixed cap 73 has a guide tube 73a on its inner circumferential surface through which each of the two bending wires 75 that pass through the insertion section 2 is inserted (see FIGS. 3, 5 to 7). As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the base end of a wire guide 76 described later is disposed in contact with the tip end side of the guide tube 73a. Similarly, the tip end of an insertion section wire guide 77 described later is disposed in contact with the base end side of the guide tube 73a.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 1 etc., the flexible tube section 8 has a tip end connected to the bending section 7 and a base end connected to the operation section 3, and is mainly composed of a flexible tube 82 having a predetermined length and made of a flexible, elongated tubular member. As shown in Fig. 2 etc., a front mouthpiece 81 of the flexible tube section 8 is provided on the tip side of the flexible tube section 8.

[0049] The front base 81 is disposed at the tip of the flexible tube 82 and is a tubular member that connects the flexible tube section 8 and the bending section 7. To this end, the large diameter section 72a of the rear base 72 of the bending section 7 fits inside the front base 81 of the flexible tube section 8. In addition, as described above, the fixed base 73 is sandwiched between the rear base 72 of the bending section 7 and the front base 81 of the flexible tube section 8.

[0050] The light guide cable 15 and the signal line 16 are inserted inside the flexible tube section 8. Furthermore, a plurality of wire guides 77 are inserted inside the flexible tube section 8. These wire guides 77 are components through which the bending wire 75 is inserted to guide the movement of the bending wire 75 in the longitudinal direction. The wire guides 77 are also components that prevent the bending wire 75 from shifting in the circumferential direction. The wire guides 77 are made of a roughly cylindrical, tightly wound coil member. With the wire guides 77 inserted through the flexible tube section 8 in this manner, the flexible tube section 8 is configured to have a predetermined rigidity while ensuring a predetermined flexibility.

[0051] The curved coil 74 is made of a substantially cylindrical coil member. The curved coil 74 is formed of a substantially cylindrical loosely wound coil 74c. This allows the curved coil 74 to contract in the axial direction when the curved wire 75 is operated, making the curved portion 7 freely curveable. In addition, the tip end 74a and the base end 74b of the curved coil 74 are each formed into a densely wound predetermined region. In this case, the predetermined region corresponds to the region (region having a length in the long axis direction) wound around each of the front base 71 and the rear base 72.

[0052] In this way, the reason why certain areas of the tip 74a and base end 74b of the curved coil 74 are densely wound is to ensure that the tip 74a is securely connected and fixed to the narrow diameter portion 71b of the front nozzle 71, and the base end 74b is securely connected and fixed to the narrow diameter portion 72b of the rear nozzle 72.

[0053] The tip 74a of the curved coil 74 and the front base 71 are joined by a joining means such as adhesion, soldering, welding, etc. Similarly, the base end 74b of the curved coil 74 and the rear base 72 are joined by a similar joining means.

[0054] The wire guide 76 is a guide member that guides the movement of the bending wire 75 in the longitudinal direction. The wire guide 76 is also a component that prevents the bending wire 75 from being displaced in the circumferential direction. For this reason, the wire guide 76 is made of a tubular member having elasticity. Specifically, the wire guide 76 is made of, for example, a roughly cylindrically shaped loosely wound coil member. This allows the wire guide 76 to be freely bent.

[0055] Further, the bending wires 75 are inserted through the wire guides 76. Therefore, the number of wire guides 76 is the same as the number of bending wires 75, for example, two in the configuration of this embodiment. The wire guides 76 are inserted through the interior of the bending coil 74 in the longitudinal direction. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, the wire guides 76 are disposed at positions in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the bending coil 74.

[0056] More specifically, the wire guide 76 is disposed in accordance with the circumferential arrangement of the two bending wires 75. That is, as shown in Fig. 4, the two wire guides 76 face each other across the central axis O of the bending portion 7 (bending coil 74) in the long axis direction, and are disposed at positions that are approximately symmetrical with respect to a line that is perpendicular to the central axis O and passes through the central axis O. Inside the bending coil 74 of the bending portion 7 configured in this manner, a plurality of built-in components (e.g., the light guide cable 15 and the signal line 16, etc.) of the scope unit 1 and the two wire guides 76 are inserted and disposed in the long axis direction.

[0057] In this embodiment, the arrangement of multiple built-in components (light guide cable 15 as a first built-in component, and signal line 16 as a second built-in component) and multiple wire guides 76 inside the curved portion 7 is configured as shown in FIG. 4. In this case, the sum (D2+D3) of the outer diameter D2 of the light guide cable 15 and the outer diameter D3 of the signal line 16 is approximately equal to the inner diameter D1 of the curved coil 74 (D1≧D2+D3). In this case, the light guide cable 15 and the signal line 16 are inserted inside the curved coil 74. For this reason, the inner diameter D1 of the curved coil 74 is actually slightly larger than the sum (D2+D3) of the outer diameters of the light guide cable 15 and the signal line 16.

[0058] Furthermore, two wire guides 76 are disposed in gap regions G1 and G2 (see FIG. 4) other than the region in which the light guide cable 15 and the signal line 16 are disposed inside the curved coil 74. In this case, the outer circumferential surface of each wire guide 76 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the curved coil 74 and the outer circumferential surfaces of the light guide cable 15 and the signal line 16, respectively.

[0059] 4, the two wire guides 76 are arranged in regions G1 and G2 on both sides of a straight line S1 connecting the central axes O1 and O2 of the light guide cable 15 and the signal line 16. In other words, one wire guide 76 is arranged on a first side with respect to the straight line S1, and the other wire guide 76 is arranged in a second region on the opposite side of the straight line S1 from the first region.

[0060] At this time, each wire guide 76 is disposed sandwiched between the inner circumferential surface of the curved coil 74 and the outer circumferential surfaces of the light guide cable 15 and the signal wire 16. With this configuration, each wire guide 76 does not move across the straight line S1 to the opposite region even if the curved portion 7 is curved (see FIG. 7) and the light guide cable 15 and the signal wire 16 are deformed.

[0061] Although the above example shows that each built-in object has one light guide cable 15 and one signal line 16, each built-in object may have two or more objects instead of one. In that case, it is preferable to make each object of equal size and arrange them so that they are balanced with the arrangement of the wire guide 76 without being biased in either direction.

[0062] In other words, for example, in the case of two light guide cables 15 and one signal line 16, the wire guide is positioned in a first region relative to a straight line connecting the central axis O1 of one light guide cable 15 and the central axis O2 of the signal line 16, and the other wire guide 76 is positioned in a second region on the opposite side of the straight line S1 from the first region.

[0063] [E1][w2] In addition, if it is difficult to make two or more built-in objects of equal size, for example, one of the built-in objects may be divided into three or more objects so that the arrangement of the coil guides can be balanced.

[0064] In addition, since the light guide cable 15 and the signal line 16 are not rigid bodies, the light guide cable 15 and the signal line 16 may be crushed into an elliptical shape when arranged in the regions G1 and G2 on both sides of the straight line S1 connecting the central axes O1 and O2 of the light guide cable 15 and the signal line 16 in Fig. 4. Also, there are cases where the internal objects used are not necessarily circular (when viewed in a direction parallel to the central axis) (i.e., approximately elliptical). In that case, the "outer diameter" may be D1, D2, ..., with the minor diameters (minor axes) of the respective cables being considered as "outer diameters", and D1 ≧ D2 + D3.

[0065] In the endoscope device of this embodiment configured as described above, the function of the bending portion in particular will be briefly described below.

[0066] First, the operation of assembling the curved portion 7 will be described. The narrow-diameter portion 71b of the front base 71 is fitted to the tip end 74a of the curved coil 74, and they are joined and fixed by a joining means such as adhesion, soldering, or welding. Similarly, the narrow-diameter portion 72b of the rear base 72 is fitted to the base end 74b of the curved coil 74, and they are joined by the same joining means.

[0067] Next, the multiple built-in components (light guide cable 15, signal line 16, etc.) extending from the tip portion 6 are inserted and arranged inside the structural unit in which the front base 71, the curved coil 74, and the rear base 72 are integrated. At this time, the multiple built-in components (15, 16) are arranged along the inner surface of the curved coil 74, as shown in FIG.

[0068] Next, the wire guides 76 are inserted from the base end into each of the gap regions G1, G2 inside the structural units (71, 74, 72). This completes the curved section 7. At this time, the two wire guides 76 are simply pushed into the gap regions G1, G2, and are not fixed by a fixing means. As a result, the two wire guides 76 are substantially fixed in the gap regions G1, G2 in contact with the outer circumferential surfaces of the multiple built-in components (15, 16) and the inner circumferential surface of the curved coil 74. At this time, the wire guides 76 are movable in the longitudinal direction, and are substantially fixed in the circumferential direction.

[0069] Next, the fixed base 73 is placed inside the large diameter portion 72a of the rear base 72. Then, the two bending wires 75 that are inserted through the flexible tube portion 8 and extended are inserted into the guide tubes 73a of the fixed base 73. After that, each bending wire 75 is inserted into each of the two wire guides 76. Then, the tip of the bending wire 75 is joined and fixed to a predetermined position on the inner surface of the front base 71 by a joining means such as adhesive, soldering, or welding.

[0070] The tip section 6 is connected to the tip side of the bending section 7 assembled in this manner. Also, the flexible tube section 8 is connected to the base end side of the bending section 7. In this case, the method and procedure for assembling the other constituent units (the tip section 6, the flexible tube section 8, the operation section 3, etc.) are the same as those of the conventional scope unit 1, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0071] In the scope unit 1 including the bending portion 7 assembled in this manner, when the bending operation lever 9 of the operation unit 3 is operated, the bending wire 75 is pulled and the bending portion 7 is bent. The manner in which the bending portion 7 is bent at this time is as shown in FIG.

[0072] For example, when the bending wire 75 is pulled, the bending wire 75 passing through the wire guide 76 inside the bending section 7 moves toward the base end along the longitudinal direction of the insertion section 2. At this time, the wire guide 76 is compressed and bent.

[0073] More specifically, when the bending wire 75 is pulled and moves toward the base end, the wire guide 76 also moves toward the base end. At this time, the base end of the wire guide 76 abuts against the tip surface of the guide tube 73a of the fixed mouthpiece 73, thereby restricting the movement of the wire guide 76 toward the base end in the longitudinal direction.

[0074] In this manner, when movement of the wire guide 76 in the same direction (toward the base end in the longitudinal direction) is restricted, the wire guide 76 is compressed. As described above, since the wire guide 76 is a loosely wound coil member, this compression narrows the spring pitch (wire spacing) of the wire guide 76.

[0075] Furthermore, when the bending wire 75 is pulled, the spring pitch of the bending coil 74 narrows on the side that is pulled by the bending wire 75. When the bending coil 74 is bent in this way, the bending portion 7 is bent.

[0076] When the bending portion 7 is bent, the bending wire 75 is in a state in which its position in the circumferential direction is restricted inside the bending portion 7 by the wire guides 76 arranged in the gap regions G1, G2 between the multiple built-in components (15, 16). Therefore, a stable position of the bending wire 75 is ensured in the circumferential direction. In this state, even if bending operations are repeated, the bending wire 75 will not shift in position in the circumferential direction. This allows the bending portion 7 to be actively bent in two predetermined directions.

[0077] When the operation of the bending operation lever 9 is released and the pulling of the bending wire 75 is stopped, the bending portion 7 returns to a straight state as shown in FIG. 5 due to the elastic forces of the bending coil 74, the wire guide 76, the multiple built-in components (15, 16), the outer tube 70, etc.

[0078] On the other hand, when the scope unit 1 is used and the insertion section 2 is inserted into or removed from a curved pipe or the like, the bending section 7 is passively bent in all directions around the long axis to match the shape of the pipe or the like. However, the bending section 7 in the scope unit 1 of this embodiment is configured using a bending coil 74. As a result, the bending section 7 is passively bendable in all directions around the long axis. Therefore, the bending section 7 can be passively bent in any direction around the long axis depending on the bending direction of the pipe or the like.

[0079] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the wire guides 76 are disposed at positions symmetrical with respect to the straight line S1 connecting the central axes of at least two of the multiple internal parts (15, 16) that are disposed by inserting through the inside of the curved portion 7. The wire guides 76 are disposed in contact with the inner surface of the curved portion 7 and the outer surface of at least one of the multiple internal parts (15, 16).

[0080] With this configuration, the wire guide 76 can be more easily disposed even in the bending portion 7 to which the bending coil 74 is applied. In this case, assembly can be performed with extremely simple work while eliminating the need for processing the bending coil 74, and fixing or the like can be eliminated. This contributes to simplifying the manufacturing process and at the same time reducing manufacturing costs.

[0081] In addition, the wire guide 76 can be stably and substantially fixed in the gap regions G1, G2 between the multiple built-in components (15, 16) inside the bending section 7. By inserting the bending wire 75 through this wire guide 76, smooth movement of the bending wire 75 in the longitudinal direction can be ensured, and at the same time, positional deviation of the bending wire 75 in the circumferential direction can be realized with a simple configuration. Therefore, active bidirectional bending can be stably performed.

[0082] Furthermore, since the bending coil 74 is used as a component for realizing a bending structure, even if an unintended external force is applied to the bending portion 7, the bending portion 7 can be passively bent in any direction around the long axis. Therefore, the possibility of damage caused by an unintended external force can be suppressed.

[0083] Due to these effects, in the endoscope device of this embodiment, it is possible to contribute to improving the inspection efficiency and also to improving the durability of the endoscope device.

[0084] In this embodiment, a configuration example is shown in which wire guides 76 are arranged at positions symmetrical with respect to a straight line S1 connecting the central axes of at least two of the multiple internal components (15, 16) that are inserted through the interior of the curved portion 7. However, the wire guides 76 may be arranged not only line-symmetrically with respect to the straight line S1, but also point-symmetrically with respect to the central axis O along the long axis of the curved portion 7.

[0085] In this embodiment, a configuration example is shown in which wire guides 76 are arranged at positions symmetrical with respect to a straight line S1 connecting the central axes of at least two of the multiple built-ins (15, 16) that are inserted through the inside of the curved section 7, but as described as "substantially symmetrical," strict symmetry is not necessarily required for the arrangement of each component. Even if there is some deviation in the arrangement (deviation in symmetry) due to manufacturing processes such as filling and bonding or external forces, the effects of the present invention are achieved.

[0086] In this embodiment, a configuration example in which two bending wires 75 are arranged is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, one bending wire 75 may be folded back inside the front mouthpiece 71, and one wire half and the other wire half may be inserted into the insertion section 2. In this configuration, the folded back portion of the bending wire 75 is fixed along the inner circumferential surface of the front mouthpiece 71. Then, one wire half and the other wire half of the bending wire 75 may be inserted at two opposing portions across a central axis O (see FIG. 4) along the long axis of the insertion section 2. Various modified examples of the endoscope device of the above-mentioned first embodiment are further exemplified below.

[0087] [First Modification] The first modified example described below is a modified example of the bending coil of the bending portion in the endoscope device of the first embodiment described above. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the first modified example of the bending portion of the endoscope device of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 3 and other figures, the bending coil 74 in the bending portion 7 of the endoscopic device 100 of the first embodiment described above is formed of a coarsely wound coil 74c, and the tip end 74a and the base end 74b are densely wound in predetermined regions.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 8, the curved coil 74A of the first modification includes, in order from the tip side, a tip densely wound portion 74Aa, a first coarsely wound portion 74Aca, a second coarsely wound portion 74Acb, and a base end densely wound portion 74Ab, which are successively formed.

[0090] Of these, the spring pitch (wire spacing) P1 of the first coarsely wound portion 74Aca closer to the tip end is set wider than the spring pitch (wire spacing) P2 of the second coarsely wound portion 74Acb closer to the base end (P1>P2).

[0091] Furthermore, the length L1 in the major axis direction of the first loosely wound portion 74Aca is set to be longer than the length L2 in the major axis direction of the second loosely wound portion 74Acb (L1>L2).

[0092] The sum of the gaps between the coils in the longitudinal direction of the curved coils 74 (LD·N) is set to be equal to or less than the sum of the gaps between the coils in the longitudinal direction of the wire guide 76 (ld·n). That is, formula (1) is established. (LD·N)≦(ld·n)……(1) Where: L: Length of the curved coil in the major axis direction, D: wire diameter of curved coil, N: number of turns of the curved coil, l: Length of the wire guide in the longitudinal direction, d: wire diameter of the wire guide, n: number of turns of the wire guide, It should be noted that the above formula (1) is also applied to the first embodiment described above.

[0093] According to the bending section 7A using the bending coil 74A exemplified by the first modified example, the spring pitch can be made large on the distal end side to make it easier to bend, which can contribute to improving operability. At the same time, the spring pitch can be made small on the proximal end side to make it slightly more difficult to bend than the distal end side, which can contribute to improving resistance to loads applied to the proximal end side.

[0094] [Second modified example] The second modified example described below is a modified example of the wire guide of the bending portion in the endoscopic device of the above-mentioned first embodiment. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the bending portion of the second modified example of the endoscopic device of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] The basic configuration of the insertion section 2B including the bending section 7B illustrated in the second modified example is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment described above. The second modified example differs in that the guide section is formed of a plurality of pipe members 76B instead of the coil-shaped wire guide 76 as the guide section illustrated in the first embodiment described above.

[0096] In the second modification, the multiple pipe members 76B are arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction on the inner surface side of the curved coil (not shown). In this case, the multiple pipe members 76B are fixed in advance to respective predetermined positions on the inner surface of the curved coil by, for example, an adhesive. Then, the curved wire 75 is inserted into each of the multiple pipe members 76B.

[0097] The multiple pipe members 76B may be arranged side by side at a predetermined interval along the longitudinal direction on the outer surfaces of the multiple built-in components (15, 16). In this case, the multiple pipe members 76B are fixed in advance to predetermined positions on the outer surfaces of the multiple built-in components (15, 16) by, for example, an adhesive.

[0098] In the configuration of this second modified example, the cross section of the curved portion (cross section along the plane indicated by reference symbol [4A] in FIG. 9) is substantially similar to that in FIG. 4. That is, the cross section of the curved portion of the second modified example is shown in a form in which reference symbol 76 shown in FIG. 4 is replaced with reference symbol 76B. The other configurations are substantially similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0099] The second modified example configured in this manner can also provide substantially the same effects as the first embodiment described above. The configuration of the second modified example can also be applied to the bending portion 7A of the first modified example. In this case, too, the same effects can be obtained.

[0100] [Third Modification] The third modified example described below is another modified example of the wire guide in the bending portion of the endoscopic device of the first embodiment described above, similar to the second modified example described above. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the third modified example of the wire guide in the bending portion of the endoscopic device of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] The basic configuration of the curved portion (not shown) applied in the third modified example is substantially the same as that in the first embodiment and the second modified example described above. The third modified example differs in that the guide portion is constituted by a plurality of coil members 76C instead of the pipe member 76B as the guide portion in the first modified example described above.

[0102] In the third modified example, the multiple coil members 76C are arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction on the inner surface side of the curved coil (not shown). In this case, the multiple coil members 76C are fixed in advance to respective predetermined positions on the inner surface of the curved coil by, for example, an adhesive. Then, the curved wire 75 is inserted into each of the multiple coil members 76C so as to be freely movable in the longitudinal direction.

[0103] The multiple coil members 76C may be arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction on the outer surfaces of the multiple built-in contents (15, 16). In this case, the multiple coil members 76C are fixed in advance to predetermined positions on the outer surfaces of the multiple built-in contents (15, 16) by, for example, an adhesive.

[0104] The third modified example configured in this manner can also provide substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment and the second modified example described above. The configuration of the third modified example can also be applied to the curved portion 7A of the first modified example. In this case, the same effects can also be obtained.

[0105] [Fourth Modification] The fourth modified example described below is another modified example of the wire guide in the bending portion of the endoscopic device of the first embodiment described above, similar to the second and third modified examples described above. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the fourth modified example of the wire guide in the bending portion of the endoscopic device of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] The basic configuration of the curved portion (not shown) applied in the fourth modified example is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment and the second and third modified examples described above. The fourth modified example differs in that the guide portion is configured by combining a plurality of pipe members 76B as the guide portion in the second modified example described above and a plurality of coil members 76C as the guide portion in the third modified example described above.

[0107] In the fourth modified example, a plurality of pipe members 76B and a plurality of coil members 76C are alternately arranged on the bending wire 75. The bending wire 75 is inserted through the plurality of pipe members 76B and the plurality of coil members 76C so as to be freely movable in the longitudinal direction.

[0108] The method of attaching and fixing the plurality of pipe members 76B and the plurality of coil members 76C is substantially the same as in the second and third modified examples described above.

[0109] The fourth modified example configured in this manner can also provide substantially the same effects as the first embodiment and the second and third modified examples. The configuration of the fourth modified example can also be applied to the curved portion 7A of the first modified example. In this case, too, the same effects can be obtained.

[0110] [Fifth Modification] The fifth modified example described below is, like the second, third, and fourth modified examples described above, yet another modified example of the wire guide of the bending portion in the endoscopic device of the first embodiment described above. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing the bending portion of the fifth modified example of the endoscopic device of the first embodiment of the present invention. Note that Fig. 12 omits illustration of the main components of the bending portion (curving coil, front mouthpiece, rear mouthpiece, etc.). Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the wire guide in the fifth modified example. And Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane indicated by the reference symbol

[14] in Fig. 12. Note that Fig. 14 shows a cross-section of the bending portion in an assembled state.

[0111] The basic configuration of the insertion section 2D including the bending section 7D applied in the fifth modified example is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment and the second, third, and fourth modified examples described above. The fifth modified example differs in that the guide section is constituted by a tubular guide tube 76D made of a flexible elastic body (e.g., Teflon) instead of the coil-shaped wire guide 76 as the guide section exemplified in the first embodiment described above.

[0112] In the fifth modified example, the guide tube 76D extends from the distal end to the proximal end of the bending portion 7D. A bending wire 75 is inserted through the guide tube 76D so as to be movable in the long axis direction.

[0113] Furthermore, the guide tube 76D with the bending wire 75 inserted therethrough is disposed in the gap regions G1, G2 inside the bending portion 7D, as shown in Fig. 14. At this time, the guide tube 76D is disposed in a deformed and crushed state in contact with the inner surface of the bending coil 74 and the outer surfaces of the multiple built-in components (15, 16). Even in this state, the bending wire 75 is movable in the longitudinal direction.

[0114] In addition, the fifth modified example shows an example in which an outer cover tube 78 is provided to cover the outer surfaces of the multiple internal parts (15, 16). This outer cover tube 78 is provided to suppress circumferential movement of the multiple internal parts (15, 16) inserted inside the insertion portion 2 due to bending motion or the like. As shown in the above-mentioned first embodiment, the multiple internal parts (15, 16) are fixed at their main parts by, for example, the fixing base 73, etc., and circumferential movement inside the insertion portion 2 is suppressed. Therefore, this outer cover tube 78 is an additional component provided to restrict movement, and is not an essential component.

[0115] The fifth modified example configured in this manner can also provide substantially the same effects as the first embodiment and the second, third, and fourth modified examples described above. The configuration of the fifth modified example can also be applied to the curved portion 7A of the first modified example. In this case, too, the same effects can be provided.

[0116] [Second embodiment] Next, an endoscope device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figs. 15 and 16. Fig. 15 is a schematic perspective view showing the internal configuration near the tip of the insertion section including the bending section in the endoscope device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 2, some components of the bending section are omitted to avoid complicating the drawing. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane indicated by the reference symbol

[16] in Fig. 15.

[0117] The basic configuration of an endoscope device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment described above. This embodiment differs in that a central member 79 is further provided inside a bending section 7E of an insertion section 2E of a scope unit. Note that the configuration example illustrated in this embodiment is shown as a two-way bending type scope unit (endoscope) that realizes bending in two directions by two bending wires 75, similar to the first embodiment described above.

[0118] In the configuration of this embodiment, a central member 79 is disposed at the axial center of the curved portion 7E. The central member 79 is formed, for example, of a substantially cylindrical, tightly wound coil member. The wire guide 76 is formed of a loosely wound coil member, similar to the above-described first embodiment. The outer diameter D5 (see FIG. 16) of the central member 79 is formed to be smaller than the outer diameter D4 (see FIG. 16) of the wire guide 76 (D4>D5).

[0119] The two wire guides 76 are arranged along and sandwiching the central member 79. In this case, the central member 79 and the two wire guides 76 are disposed inside the curved coil 74 with their outer surfaces in contact with each other. Also, at this time, the central member 79 and the two wire guides 76 are fixed at predetermined positions in the longitudinal direction (e.g., near the tip end and near the base end, etc.) using a joining means such as adhesion, soldering, or welding.

[0120] The joining means between the central member 79 and the two wire guides 76 is not limited to the above-mentioned exemplary joining means. For example, Fig. 17 is a diagram showing a modified example of the joining means between the central member and the wire guides in the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 17 shows an enlarged view of the portion indicated by the reference numeral

[17] in Fig. 15, for example.

[0121] The central member 79 and the two wire guides 76 may be fixed together using a joining means such as a bundling wire 80 in the form shown in Fig. 17. In this case, it is preferable that the bundling points using the bundling wire 80 are, for example, in the vicinity of the tip end and the vicinity of the base end, as well as in a plurality of predetermined points in the middle portion. In this way, by joining the central member 79 and the two wire guides 76 at predetermined points, it is possible to prevent the two (79, 76) from being misaligned in the longitudinal direction.

[0122] The central member 79 and the two wire guides 76 thus configured are disposed at predetermined positions by passing through the inside of the curved coil 74. More specifically, the central member 79 and the two wire guides 76 are disposed in a configuration as shown in FIG.

[0123] As described above, the central member 79 is disposed at the axial center of the curved coil 74. The two wire guides 76 are disposed at both radial sides of the central member 79. In this case, as shown in FIG. 16, the sum (D4x2+D5) of the outer diameter D4x2 of each wire guide 76 and the outer diameter D5 of the central member 79 is substantially equal to the inner diameter D1 of the curved coil 74 (D1≧(D4x2+D5)). In this case, the central member 79 and the two wire guides 76 are inserted into the curved coil 74 in a state of being aligned in the radial direction of the curved coil 74. For this reason, the inner diameter D1 of the curved coil 74 is actually slightly larger than the sum (D4x2+D5) of the outer diameter D4x2 of the two wire guides 76 and the outer diameter D5 of the central member 79.

[0124] 16, the multiple built-in parts (15, 16) pass through gap regions G3, G4 inside the curved coil 74. At this time, the outer surfaces of the multiple built-in parts (15, 16) are in contact with the outer surfaces of the central member 79 and each wire guide 76.

[0125] In the endoscope device of this embodiment configured as described above, the function of the bending portion in particular will be briefly described below.

[0126] First, the operation of assembling the curved portion 7E will be described. The two wire guides 76 are aligned in the axial direction and joined to the central member 79 at a number of predetermined positions. The central member 79 and the two wire guides 76 are joined together to form an integrated structural unit (79, 76), which is then inserted into the curved coil 74. Then, the multiple built-in objects (15, 16) are inserted into the gap regions G3, G4 inside the curved coil 74. This completes the assembly of the curved portion 7E. The assembly of the curved coil 74, the front base 71, and the rear base 72, and other assemblies are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment described above.

[0127] As a result, each of the multiple internal parts (15, 16) is approximately fixed in the gap regions G3, G4 in a state of contact with the central member 79, the outer peripheral surfaces of each wire guide 76, and the inner peripheral surface of the curved coil 74. Note that FIG. 16 shows the multiple internal parts (15, 16) being deformed and inserted into the gap regions G3, G4. Since the multiple internal parts (15, 16) themselves have elasticity, some deformation is acceptable. Therefore, the multiple internal parts (15, 16) are appropriately deformed according to the shape of the gap regions G3, G4, and are inserted into the gap regions G3, G4 in an approximately fixed state. At this time, the wire guide 76 is movable in the long axis direction and is approximately fixed in the circumferential direction.

[0128] In the scope unit including the bending portion 7E assembled in this manner, when the bending operation lever 9 of the operation section 3 is operated, the bending wire 75 is pulled and the bending portion 7 is bent. The manner in which the bending portion 7E is bent at this time is as shown in Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing the manner in which the bending portion in the endoscopic device of this embodiment is bent. In Fig. 18, the configuration of the bending portion is illustrated in a simplified manner (only a portion of the main parts, that is, the central member 79, the wire guide 76, the bending coil 74, and the front mouthpiece 71, is illustrated).

[0129] The action of the bending portion 7E of this embodiment during bending is basically substantially the same as that of the first embodiment described above. For example, when the bending wire 75 is pulled, the wire guide 76 on the pulled side is compressed, and the spring pitch (wire spacing) becomes narrower. The wire guide 76 on the non-pulled side is stretched, and the spring pitch becomes slightly wider. At the same time, the spring pitch of the bending coil 74 on the pulled side becomes narrower, and the spring pitch on the non-pulled side becomes slightly wider. This causes the bending coil 74 to bend. At this time, the central member 79 is a densely wound coil member as described above, and therefore does not shrink much. Thus, the action of the bending portion 7E during bending is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment described above.

[0130] In addition, the action when the operation of the bending operation lever 9 is released and the pulling of the bending wire 75 is stopped is also substantially the same as in the above-mentioned first embodiment. In this embodiment, further, a central member 79 made of a tightly wound coil member is provided, which makes it easier to return to a straight state.

[0131] During use of the scope unit, the action of inserting the insertion portion 2 into or removing it from a curved pipe or the like is also approximately the same as in the first embodiment described above.

[0132] As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to obtain substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment. Furthermore, in this embodiment, by providing the central member 79 that is tightly wound and does not easily shrink, it is possible to improve the ease with which the bending portion 7E returns to its original bending state.

[0133] [Third embodiment] The first and second embodiments described above show configuration examples of a bending section with a two-way bending structure that allows active bending in either the up-down direction or the left-right direction using two bending wires inserted inside the insertion section.

[0134] The third embodiment of the present invention described next shows an example of the configuration of a bending section with a four-way bending structure in which four bending wires are inserted inside the insertion section, making it possible to bend freely in both the up-down and left-right directions.

[0135] Fig. 19 is a schematic perspective view showing an internal configuration near the tip of an insertion section including a bending section in an endoscope device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane indicated by reference symbol

[19] in Fig. 19.

[0136] The basic configuration of the endoscope device of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of the above-described first embodiment, etc., except that it is configured as a scope unit having a bending portion with a four-way bending structure.

[0137] In this embodiment, the bending section 7F of the insertion section 2F is configured so that four bending wires 75 are inserted therethrough to achieve a four-way bending structure. In this embodiment, four wire guides 76 are provided in the bending section 7F corresponding to positions where the four bending wires 75 are inserted and arranged. The four wire guides 76 are arranged such that a part of their outer surfaces contacts the inner surface of the bending coil 74. Furthermore, each of the four wire guides 76 is arranged at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction along the inner surface of the bending coil 74 (for example, at 90 degree intervals around the axis in the long axis direction).

[0138] Then, inside the curved coil 74, multiple built-in objects (15, 16) are inserted and arranged in areas other than the area where the four wire guides 76 are arranged. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the multiple built-in objects are each composed of two light guide cables 15 and two signal lines 16 (see FIG. 20). Also in this embodiment, the multiple built-in objects (15, 16) are arranged in a form that is appropriately deformed according to the shape of a predetermined area in which they are to be arranged inside the curved coil 74.

[0139] The configuration in which the light guide cables 15 and the signal lines 16 as the multiple built-in components are each two may be configured at least in the area of ​​the bending section 7F. Therefore, for example, the light guide cables 15 and the signal lines 16 may each be configured as one line from the operation section to the flexible tube section, and the light guide cables 15 and the signal lines 16 may each be branched into two at the point where they enter the bending section 7F from the flexible tube section.

[0140] In addition, in this configuration example, two illumination windows 13F are provided on the tip surface of the tip portion 6F in correspondence with the two light guide cables 15. The two signal lines 16 are connected to a wiring board (not shown) or the like provided inside the tip body 61.

[0141] With this configuration, the arrangement of the multiple built-in components (15, 16), the four wire guides 76, the bending wire 75, etc. within the curved coil 74 is as shown in FIG.

[0142] In the endoscope device of this embodiment configured as described above, the function of the bending portion in particular will be briefly described below.

[0143] The operation of assembling the bending portion 7F is as follows: First, the front base 71, the bending coil 74, and the rear base 72 are assembled in the same manner as described in the first embodiment.

[0144] Next, two light guide cables 15 and two signal lines 16 as a plurality of built-in components are inserted into predetermined regions inside the structural units (71, 74, 72) in the arrangement shown in FIG.

[0145] Then, the four wire guides 76 are inserted from the base end side into gap regions G5, G6, G7, and G8 other than the region in which the multiple built-in components (15, 16) are arranged inside the curved coil 74. This completes the curved portion 7F.

[0146] The action of bending operation performed using the scope unit including the bending portion 7F assembled in this manner is substantially the same as in the first and second embodiments described above. In this embodiment, since four bending wires 75 are provided, bending operation can be performed in four directions, up, down, left, and right.

[0147] As described above, according to the third embodiment, even if the bending portion has a four-way bending structure, it is possible to obtain substantially the same effects as the first and second embodiments.

[0148] [Fourth embodiment] Next, an endoscopic device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 21 is a schematic perspective view showing the internal configuration near the tip of the insertion section including the bending section in the endoscopic device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view along the plane indicated by the reference character

[22] in Fig. 21. Note that in Figs. 21 and 22, in order to avoid complicating the drawings, some of the components (such as the outer skin tube) in the bending section are omitted. Fig. 22 also shows a cross section of the bending section in an assembled state.

[0149] The basic configuration of the endoscope device of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of the third embodiment. In this embodiment, the bending section 7G of the insertion section 2G is different in that an inner mouthpiece 90 is further added inside each of the front mouthpiece 71 and the rear mouthpiece (not shown). Note that Fig. 21 shows only the inner mouthpiece 90 provided inside the front mouthpiece 71. The rear front mouthpiece and the inner mouthpiece therein are omitted from the illustration as they have the same configuration.

[0150] The inner mouthpiece 90 is a component for positioning and fixing the end of the wire guide 76. As shown in Figs. 21 and 22, the inner mouthpiece 90 has a generally tubular shape that can be inserted into the front mouthpiece 71. The inner mouthpiece 90 is formed with a partition wall 90a that connects opposing inner surfaces and passes through the central axis O (see Fig. 22). This partition wall 90a divides the internal space of the inner mouthpiece 90 into two regions. Here, the two regions divided by the partition wall 90a are referred to as a first region 90b and a second region 90c, respectively (see Fig. 22).

[0151] Here, one of the multiple built-in components (for example, the light guide cable 15) and two of the four wire guides 76 are inserted into the first region 90b. In this case, the ends of the two wire guides 76 are positioned and substantially fixed in the gaps between the outer surface of the light guide cable 15, the inner surface of the first region 90b of the inner connector 90, and the inner surface of the partition wall 90a.

[0152] Furthermore, another one of the multiple built-in components (e.g., the signal line 16) and the other two of the four wire guides 76 are inserted into the second region 90c. In this case, the ends of the other two wire guides 76 are positioned and substantially fixed in the gaps between the outer surface of the signal line 16, the inner surface of the second region 90c in the inner mouthpiece 90, and the inner surface of the partition wall 90a.

[0153] With this configuration, the arrangement of the multiple built-in components (15, 16) and the four wire guides 76 within the front base 71 is as shown in FIG.

[0154] In the endoscope device of this embodiment configured as described above, the function of the bending portion in particular will be briefly described below.

[0155] The operation of assembling the bending portion 7G is as follows: First, the front base 71, the bending coil 74, and the rear base 72 are assembled in the same manner as described in the first embodiment.

[0156] Next, the inner base 90 is inserted and fixed into the front base 71 and the rear base 72. Then, inside the assembled structural unit (71, 90, 74, 90, 72), the light guide cables 15 and the signal lines 16 as multiple built-in components are inserted into their respective predetermined regions in the arrangement shown in FIG.

[0157] Thereafter, the four wire guides 76 are inserted from the base end side into gaps other than the area where the multiple built-in components (15, 16) are arranged, thereby completing the assembly of the bending portion 7G.

[0158] The action of the bending operation performed using the scope unit including the bending portion 7G assembled in this manner is approximately the same as in the above-described third embodiment.

[0159] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, substantially the same effects as those of the third embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, in the configuration of this embodiment, the distal and proximal ends of the four wire guides 76 are positioned and fixed to the inner mouthpiece 90, so that the positional deviation of the wire guides 76 that may occur during bending can be more reliably prevented. Therefore, bending can be performed more accurately in a desired direction.

[0160] [Fifth embodiment] Next, an endoscopic device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 23 is a schematic perspective view showing the internal configuration near the tip side of the bending section in the endoscopic device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane indicated by the reference numeral

[24] in Fig. 23. Note that in Figs. 23 and 24, in order to avoid complicating the drawings, some components (such as an outer skin tube) in the bending section are omitted from the illustration.

[0161] The basic configuration of the endoscope device of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of the above-described third embodiment, except that the bending section 7H in this embodiment further includes a plurality of guide coils 76x through which the plurality of internal components (15, 16) are inserted.

[0162] In this embodiment, the light guide cable 15 is branched into three and inserted into the bending portion 7H. The signal line 16 is branched into two and inserted into the bending portion 7H. For this purpose, five guide coils 76x corresponding to the three light guide cables 15 and the two signal lines 16 are arranged in the bending portion 7H. The guide coils 76x are, for example, made of a roughly wound coil member having a substantially cylindrical shape. In addition, a wire guide 76 for inserting the bending wire 75 is arranged in the bending portion 7H, as in each of the above-mentioned embodiments. In this embodiment, four wire guides 76 are provided corresponding to the four bending wires 75 for the four-way bending structure.

[0163] The four wire guides 76 and the five guide coils 76x are arranged in the bending portion 7H so as to minimize gaps between adjacent coils.

[0164] For example, five guide coils 76x through which a plurality of built-in components (three light guide cables 15 and two signal lines 16) are inserted are arranged inside the curved coil 74 on two straight lines S2 and S3 that pass through the central axis O and are perpendicular to each other, as shown in FIG. 24. At this time, the outer circumferences of the three guide coils 76x arranged on the straight line S2 are in contact with each other. Similarly, the outer circumferences of the three guide coils 76x arranged on the straight line S3 are also in contact with each other. In this case, the diameter D6 of the guide coils 76x is approximately one-third the inner diameter D1 of the curved coil 74 (D1 / 3).

[0165] Then, inside the curved portion 7H, one wire guide 76 is placed in each of a plurality of gap regions G9 formed when the five guide coils 76x are placed as described above. At this time, the outer periphery of each wire guide 76 is placed in contact with the outer periphery of the adjacent guide coil 76x and the inner surface of the curved coil 74. With this configuration, each wire guide 76 is positioned in the circumferential direction and is substantially fixed.

[0166] In addition, when the five guide coils 76x are arranged inside the curved coil 74, the tips of the guide coils 76x are fixed to the inner surface of the narrow diameter portion 71b of the front base 71 using a joining means such as adhesive, soldering, or welding.

[0167] Also, instead of fixing the tips of the guide coils 76x to the inner surface of the small diameter portion 71b of the front base 71, the tips of the guide coils 76x may be bound together using a binding wire or the like.

[0168] Furthermore, in a state where the five guide coils 76x are arranged inside the curved coil 74, the base ends of the guide coils 76x are also fixed or bound in the same manner as the tip ends of the guide coils 76x.

[0169] With this configuration, the arrangement of the five guide coils 76x and the multiple built-in components (15, 16), the four wire guides 76 and the bending wires 75 in the bending section 7H is as shown in FIG.

[0170] In the endoscope device of this embodiment configured as described above, the function of the bending portion in particular will be briefly described below.

[0171] The operation of assembling the curved portion 7H is as follows. First, in the same manner as described in the first embodiment, the front base 71, the curved coil 74, and the rear base 72 (not shown) are assembled. Then, the five guide coils 76x are inserted into the assembled structural unit (71, 74, 72) and arranged in predetermined positions. Then, the tip end of the guide coil 76x is joined and fixed to the inner surface of the small diameter portion 71b of the front base 71. Similarly, the base end of the guide coil 76x is joined and fixed to the inner surface of the small diameter portion 72b of the rear base 72. As a result, four gap regions G9 are formed in the curved coil 74. One wire guide 76 is inserted into each of the four gap regions G9. Then, the corresponding built-in components (15, 16) are inserted into the five guide coils 76x at their respective predetermined positions. Also, the bending wires 75 are inserted into the four wire guides 76. In this way, the bending section 7H is assembled.

[0172] The action of the bending operation performed using the scope unit including the bending portion 7H assembled in this manner is approximately the same as in the above-described third embodiment and the like.

[0173] As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, it is possible to obtain substantially the same effects as the third embodiment. Furthermore, in the configuration of this embodiment, the guide coils 76x and the wire guides 76 are arranged in close contact with each other in the bending section 7H, so that it is possible to further prevent the internal components (15, 16) and the bending wire 75 from shifting in the circumferential direction during bending. Therefore, it is possible to ensure a more reliable bending operation.

[0174] Furthermore, by providing multiple guide coils 76x and multiple wire guides 76, it is possible to improve the workability when inserting and arranging multiple built-in objects (15, 16) and bending wires 75 into the bending portion 7H. This has the effect of facilitating assembly. In addition, since the multiple built-in objects (15, 16) are configured to be inserted through multiple guide coils 76x, it is possible to contribute to protecting the multiple built-in objects (15, 16). Therefore, it is possible to reduce the load on the multiple built-in objects (15, 16) during bending, which can contribute to improving the durability of the bending portion 7H.

[0175] [Sixth embodiment] Next, an endoscopic device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 25 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of a wire guide disposed in a bending portion in an endoscopic device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a bending portion to which the wire guide of Fig. 25 is applied. The cross-section shown in Fig. 26 corresponds to a cross-section along the plane indicated by reference numeral

[24] in Fig. 23 in the bending portion exemplified in this embodiment. Note that in Fig. 26, in order to avoid complication of the drawing, some components (such as an outer skin tube) in the bending portion are omitted from illustration.

[0176] The basic configuration of the endoscope device of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment described above. In this embodiment, the shape of the wire guide 76E disposed inside the bending portion 7J is different. In this embodiment, a configuration example of a bending portion having a two-way bending structure is shown.

[0177] In the endoscopic device of this embodiment, the wire guide 76E disposed within the bending portion 7J consists of a single coil member formed by connecting two cylindrical coil members in a direction along the long axis, as shown in FIG.

[0178] The wire guide 76E has two through-holes 76Ea formed from the tip to the base in the longitudinal direction, through which the bending wire 75 can be inserted. The two through-holes 76Ea are connected by a connecting portion 76Eb. This allows the cross-sectional shape of the wire guide 76E to be irregular. The wire guide 76E is a loosely wound coil member as a whole. With this configuration, the wire guide 76E is freely compressible in the longitudinal direction.

[0179] Here, as shown in Fig. 26, the inner width W1 in the cross section of the connecting portion 76Eb is narrower than the inner diameter D7 in the cross section of the two through-holes 76Ea (D7>W1). Also, the inner width W1 is narrower than the outer diameter of the bending wire 75 so that the bending wire 75 remains in the through-holes 76Ea where they are arranged. With this configuration, recesses 76Ec are formed on both side surfaces in the width direction of the connecting portion 76Eb, the cross section of which is concave with respect to the outer surfaces of the two through-holes 76Ea. Multiple built-in objects (15, 16) are arranged in the recesses 76Ec.

[0180] The wire guide 76E configured in this manner is disposed inside the curved portion 7J as shown in Fig. 26. That is, the wire guide 76E is disposed along a straight line S4 that connects the central axes O3, O4 of the two through-holes 76Ea in a cross section and passes through the central axis O of the curved coil 74. At this time, the height H1 of the cross section of the wire guide 76E is set to be substantially equal to the inner diameter D1 of the curved coil 74 (D1 ≧ H1). Therefore, the wire guide 76E is disposed in a substantially fixed state inside the curved coil 74 in a form that divides the cross section of the curved coil 74 in two.

[0181] In this state, two gap regions G10 are formed inside the curved coil 74. A plurality of built-in components, namely, light guide cables 15 and signal lines 16, are disposed in each of the two gap regions G10. Here, the outer surfaces of the light guide cables 15 and the signal lines 16 are substantially fixed in a state of contact with the recesses 76Ec of the wire guide 76E and the inner surface of the curved coil 74, respectively.

[0182] With this configuration, the arrangement of the multiple built-in components (15, 16), the wire guide 76E, and the two bending wires 75 in the bending section 7J is as shown in FIG.

[0183] In the endoscope device of this embodiment configured as described above, the function of the bending portion in particular will be briefly described below.

[0184] The operation of assembling the curved portion 7J is as follows: First, in the same manner as described in the first embodiment, the front base 71, the curved coil 74, and the rear base 72 are assembled. After that, the wire guide 76E is inserted into the assembled structural unit (71, 74, 72) and placed in a predetermined position.

[0185] Then, the corresponding built-in members (15, 16) are inserted into the gap regions G10 on both sides of the wire guide 76E. Also, the bending wire 75 is inserted into the two through-holes 76Ea of the wire guide 76E. In this way, the bending portion 7J is assembled.

[0186] The action of the bending operation performed using the scope unit including the bending portion 7J assembled in this manner is approximately the same as in the above-described first embodiment and the like.

[0187] As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, in the configuration of this embodiment, the two bending wires 75 are inserted through one wire guide 76E, which contributes to improving the ease of assembly. At the same time, the two through-holes 76Ea through which the two bending wires 75 are inserted do not cause relative positional deviation, so there is no circumferential positional deviation of the bending wires 75, and accurate bending operation can always be ensured.

[0188] In addition, the multiple built-in parts (15, 16) can be reliably and substantially fixed between the recess 76Ec provided in the wire guide 76E and the inner surface of the bending coil 74. This reduces the load on the multiple built-in parts (15, 16) during bending, contributing to improving the durability of the bending section 7J.

[0189] In the sixth embodiment described above, a configuration example of a bending section having a two-way bending structure is shown. The configuration example shown in the sixth embodiment described above can be similarly applied to a bending section having a four-way bending structure. A modified example of the sixth embodiment described next is a configuration example when applied to a bending section having a four-way bending structure. FIG. 27 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of a modified example of a wire guide disposed in a bending section in an endoscope device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of a bending section to which the wire guide of FIG. 27 is applied. The cross section shown in FIG. 28 corresponds to a cross section along the plane indicated by the reference symbol

[24] in FIG. 23 in the bending section exemplified in this modified example. In FIG. 28, in order to avoid complication of the drawing, some components (such as an outer skin tube) in the bending section are omitted from the illustration.

[0190] The basic configuration of the endoscope device including the bending section to which the wire guide of this modification is applied is substantially the same as that of the sixth embodiment. In this modification, the shape of the wire guide 76F disposed inside the bending section 7K is different. In this modification, as described above, a configuration example of a bending section having a four-way bending structure is shown.

[0191] In the configuration example shown in this modified example, wire guide 76F disposed within bending portion 7K is made of a single coil member formed by connecting four cylindrical coil members in the direction along the major axis, as shown in Fig. 27. In other words, wire guide 76F is configured to be formed integrally by combining two wire guides 76E in the sixth embodiment described above.

[0192] That is, the wire guide 76F has four through-holes 76Fa, through which the bending wire 75 can be inserted, formed in the longitudinal direction from the tip to the base end. The four through-holes 76Fa are connected by a connecting portion 76Fb having a substantially cross-shaped cross section. In other words, the through-holes 76Fa are connected to the respective tip portions of the substantially cross-shaped connecting portions 76Fb. In this manner, the cross-sectional shape of the wire guide 76F is formed in a non-uniform shape. The wire guide 76F is a loosely wound coil member as a whole. With this configuration, the wire guide 76F is freely compressible in the longitudinal direction.

[0193] Here, as shown in Fig. 28, the inner width W2 in the cross section of the connecting portion 76Fb is narrower than the inner diameter D8 in the cross section of the four through-holes 76Fa (D8>W2). Also, the inner width W2 is narrower than the outer diameter of the bending wire 75 so that the bending wire 75 remains in the through-holes 76Fa where they are arranged. With this configuration, four gap regions G11 with a cross section of a substantially concave shape are formed between the adjacent through-holes 76Fa. A plurality of built-in objects (15, 16) are arranged in the gap regions G11.

[0194] For this reason, in this modified example, the light guide cables 15 and the signal lines 16 as the multiple built-in components are each branched into two and inserted into the four gap regions G11.

[0195] The wire guide 76F configured in this manner is disposed inside the curved portion 7K as shown in Fig. 28. That is, the wire guide 76F is disposed at a position where the central axis of the cross section substantially coincides with the central axis O of the curved coil 74. At this time, the height H2 of the cross section of the wire guide 76F is set to be substantially equal to the inner diameter D1 of the curved coil 74 (D1 ≧ H2). Therefore, the wire guide 76F is disposed in a substantially fixed state inside the curved coil 74 in a form that divides the cross section of the curved coil 74 into four.

[0196] In this state, a plurality of built-in objects (two light guide cables 15 and two signal lines 16) are disposed in each of the four gap regions G11. At this time, the outer surfaces of the light guide cables 15 and the signal lines 16 are substantially fixed in a state of contact with the recess 76Fc of the wire guide 76F and the inner surface of the curved coil 74, respectively.

[0197] With this configuration, the arrangement of the multiple built-in components (15, 16), the wire guide 76F, and the four bending wires 75 in the bending portion 7K is as shown in FIG.

[0198] The action of the bending portion in this modified example configured as described above is substantially the same as that of the sixth embodiment described above.

[0199] As described above, according to one modification of the sixth embodiment, it is possible to obtain substantially the same effects as those of the sixth embodiment. Furthermore, in the configuration of this modification, four bending wires 75 are inserted through one wire guide 76F, so it can be similarly applied to bending sections with a four-way bending structure. In this case, too, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the sixth embodiment.

[0200] In the configurations of the sixth embodiment and the one modified example described above, a configuration example of one wire guide in which two or four cylindrical coils are integrally formed by linking them in the direction along the long axis is shown.

[0201] Another modified example of the sixth embodiment described next is a configuration example in which two coil members are connected using a connecting member as a separate member. Fig. 29 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of another modified example of the wire guide disposed in the bending portion in the endoscope device of the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0202] The basic configuration of the endoscope device including the bending portion to which the wire guide of this modification is applied is substantially the same as that of the sixth embodiment. In this modification, the shape of the wire guide 76G disposed inside the bending portion is different. In this modification, an example of the configuration of the wire guide corresponding to the bending portion having a two-way bending structure is illustrated.

[0203] As shown in Fig. 29, the wire guide 76G shown in this modification is formed by connecting two long coils 76z using a connecting member 76y. In this case, the two long coils 76z are roughly cylindrical and loosely wound coil members. The two long coils 76z themselves are roughly the same as the wire guide 76 exemplified in the above-mentioned first embodiment and the like.

[0204] The connecting member 76y fixes at least the distal and proximal ends of the two long coils 76z by using a joining means such as adhesive, soldering, welding, etc. As a result, the two long coils 76z form a single wire guide 76G that is substantially integrated in a state where they extend in parallel along the long axis.

[0205] 29, the width W3 of the connecting member 76y is narrower than the inner diameter D9 of the two long coils 76z (D9>W3). The height H3 of the wire guide 76G is substantially equal to the inner diameter D1 (not shown) of the curved coil (D1≧H3).

[0206] When the wire guide 76G having such a configuration is disposed inside the curved coil, two gap regions are formed inside the curved coil, similar to the sixth embodiment described above. Here, the two gap regions correspond to the gap region G10 in Fig. 26. Then, two curved wires 75 are inserted into the two long coils 76z, respectively.

[0207] A bending portion to which wire guide 76G configured in this manner is applied can obtain the same actions and effects as those of the above-mentioned modified example (FIGS. 27 and 28).

[0208] Note that the configuration of this modified example may be, for example, a configuration example corresponding to a bending portion having a four-way bending structure other than the configuration example shown in Fig. 29. In that case, it can be realized by forming connecting member 76y in wire guide 76G in Fig. 29 as a substantially cross-shaped connecting member, similar to wire guide 76F (see Figs. 27 and 28) shown in one modified example of the sixth embodiment described above.

[0209] [Seventh embodiment] Next, an endoscopic device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figs. 30 to 32. Fig. 30 is a schematic perspective view showing an internal configuration near the tip of an insertion section including a bending section in an endoscopic device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 31 is a schematic perspective view showing only an inner mouthpiece applied to the bending section of Fig. 30. Fig. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane indicated by the reference symbol

[32] in Fig. 30. In Figs. 30 and 32, in order to avoid complicating the drawings, some components (such as an outer skin tube) of the bending section are omitted. Fig. 32 also shows a cross-section of the bending section in an assembled state.

[0210] The basic configuration of the endoscope device of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of the fourth embodiment described above. In this embodiment, an inner mouthpiece 91 is used instead of the inner mouthpiece 90 of the fourth embodiment. Note that in Fig. 30, only the inner mouthpiece 91 provided inside the front mouthpiece 71 is shown, and the inner mouthpiece inside the rear front mouthpiece is omitted from the illustration as it has the same configuration. In addition, in this embodiment, a configuration example of a bending section with a four-way bending structure is shown.

[0211] In the configuration of this embodiment, the curved section 7L of the insertion section 2L is configured by providing an inner mouthpiece 91 inside the front mouthpiece 71. This inner mouthpiece 91 is a component for positioning and fixing the end of the wire guide 76.

[0212] As shown in Figures 30 to 32, the inner nozzle 91 has an outer diameter that allows it to be inserted into the large diameter portion 71a of the front nozzle 71, and is generally cylindrical in shape. The inner nozzle 91 has a through hole 91a that passes through the central axis O (see Figures 31 and 32) and has a generally circular cross section. A plurality of built-in members (15, 16) are inserted into this through hole 91a, as described below.

[0213] Further, the inner base 91 is formed with a plurality of through grooves 91b. The through grooves 91b are grooves that open to the outer circumferential surface side. The ends of the wire guides 76 are disposed and fixed in the plurality of through grooves 91b. For this purpose, the plurality of through grooves 91b are provided at predetermined positions on the outer circumferential edge of the inner base 91. In the configuration example shown in the present embodiment, for example, a total of four through grooves 91b are provided at equally spaced positions at 90° angles around the central axis O in correspondence with the arrangement of the four wire guides 76. The four bending wires 75 are inserted into the four wire guides 76.

[0214] With this configuration, the arrangement of the multiple built-in components (15, 16), the four wire guides 76, and the bending wires 75 in the bending portion 7L is as shown in Fig. 32. Although not shown, a similar inner base 91 is also provided in the rear base with a similar configuration.

[0215] The action of the bending portion in the endoscope device of this embodiment configured as described above is substantially the same as that in the above-described fourth embodiment.

[0216] According to the seventh embodiment configured as described above, it is possible to obtain substantially the same effects as those of the fourth embodiment. Furthermore, in the configuration of this embodiment, the through grooves 91b of the inner mouthpiece 91 can reliably position and fix the ends of the four wire guides 76. This allows the four bending wires 75 to be positioned at predetermined positions. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the four bending wires 75 from being displaced in the circumferential direction during bending operation.

[0217] Furthermore, the through hole 91a is configured to allow the multiple built-in objects (15, 16) to pass through. With this configuration, the multiple built-in objects (15, 16) do not come into contact with the wire guide 76 (bending wire 75). Therefore, no load is applied to the multiple built-in objects (15, 16) during bending operations.

[0218] Furthermore, since the end of the wire guide 76 can be disposed at a prescribed position relative to the inner mouthpiece 91, this can contribute to improving ease of assembly.

[0219] It should be noted that the inner base in the seventh embodiment may be modified as follows.

[0220] 33 and 34 are diagrams showing a modified example of the inner base shown in the seventh embodiment. Of these, FIG. 33 is a schematic perspective view showing only the inner base of the modified example. FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of a curved portion to which the inner base of the modified example is applied. The cross section shown in FIG. 34 corresponds to a cross section along the plane indicated by the reference numeral

[32] in FIG. 30 of the seventh embodiment in the curved portion exemplified in this modified example. Also, in FIG. 34, some components (such as an outer tube) of the curved portion are omitted from the illustration in order to avoid cluttering the drawing.

[0221] The basic configuration of this modification is substantially the same as that of the seventh embodiment. In this modification, the shape of the through hole 91Aa of the inner base 91A is different. As shown in FIG. 33, the through hole 91Aa of the inner base 91A is formed to include a region 91x of a predetermined range passing through the central axis O and an extension region 91y extending radially from the predetermined region 91x to a region between adjacent through grooves 91b.

[0222] A plurality of built-in components (15, 16) are inserted through this through hole 91Aa. To this end, in this modified example, the light guide cables 15 and the signal lines 16 as the plurality of built-in components are each branched into two and inserted through the curved portion 7M, as shown in Fig. 34. The other configurations are substantially similar to those of the seventh embodiment described above.

[0223] The bending section 7M to which the inner base 91A of the above-mentioned modified example is applied can also achieve the same effects and advantages as those of the above-mentioned seventh embodiment. Furthermore, in this modified example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the through hole 91Aa of the inner base 91A can be made larger. Therefore, the multiple internal objects inserted into the through hole 91Aa can be securely fixed. At the same time, the load applied to the multiple internal objects (15, 16) during bending can be more reliably reduced.

[0224] [Eighth embodiment] Next, an endoscopic device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Figs. 35 to 37 are diagrams showing the configuration of a bending portion in an endoscopic device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. Of these, Fig. 35 is a schematic perspective view of the bending portion in an endoscopic device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 35, in order to avoid complicating the drawing, some components (such as an outer skin tube and a bending coil) in the bending portion are shown in a simplified manner (by a two-dot chain line). Fig. 36 is a schematic diagram showing an attachment structure of a front mouthpiece and a rear mouthpiece and an extension restricting wire in the bending portion in Fig. 35. Fig. 37 is a cross-sectional view along the plane indicated by the reference symbol

[37] in Fig. 35. Fig. 37 shows a cross section of the bending portion in an assembled state.

[0225] The basic configuration of the endoscope device of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment described above. The difference in this embodiment is that an extension restriction wire 92 is further added. Also, in this embodiment, the shapes of the bending wire 75A and the wire guide 76A are different (see FIG. 37). As with the first embodiment described above, this embodiment shows a configuration example of a bending section with a two-way bending structure.

[0226] The bending portion 7N in the endoscopic device of this embodiment has an extension restriction wire 92 provided inside the bending coil 74. The extension restriction wire 92 is a component for restricting the bending portion 7N from extending beyond a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction. For this reason, the extension restriction wire 92 is made of a material that is difficult to expand and contract in the longitudinal direction.

[0227] The extension restriction wire 92 has one end 92a fixed to the front base 71A and the other end 92b fixed to the rear base 72A. As a result, the extension restriction wire 92 connects the front base 71A and the rear base 72A. At this time, the extension restriction wire 92 is not fixed without any slack so that the bending part does not stretch at all, but is fixed with a slight slack so as not to affect the bending operation. In a structure in which a built-in object is usually sandwiched in the center or a structure having a central member 79, the gap between the coils of the bending coil 74 in the bending direction tends to be narrow and wide in the opposite direction, so the extension restriction wire 92 is given a slack that is the same as or slightly larger than the amount of stretch during bending so as not to affect the bending operation.

[0228] The extension restriction wire 92 is disposed along the longitudinal direction of the inner surface of the curved coil 74. In this case, the extension restriction wire 92 is formed by folding a single elongated wire member in two, and the folded portion 92a is fixed to the front base 71A. One half of the wire extending from the folded portion 92a and the other half of the wire are each inserted into the curved portion 7N. The other end 92b of the one half of the wire and the other end 92b of the other half of the wire are each fixed to the rear base 72A.

[0229] In addition, in the example of this embodiment, a configuration example is shown in which two sets of extension restriction wires 92 are provided. In this case, the two sets of extension restriction wires 92 are arranged, for example, at positions facing each other across the central axis O of the bending portion 7N.

[0230] Here, the following configuration will be illustrated as a specific configuration of the extension restriction wire 92. Note that the following description will be given of the configuration of one of the two sets of extension restriction wires 92.

[0231] For example, as shown in Fig. 36, two through holes 71c are formed in the front base 71A, penetrating between the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface. The two through holes 71c are provided at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction. The two through holes 71c are formed at both ends of a recessed groove 71d formed on the outer peripheral surface side of the front base 71A.

[0232] Here, the recessed groove 71d is an arrangement groove provided for arranging and fixing the folded-back portion 92a of the extension restriction wire 92. The two through holes 71c are insertion holes provided for inserting the two other wire ends 92b extending from the folded-back portion 92a of the extension restriction wire 92 from the outside of the base to the inside of the base and introducing them into the bending portion 7N.

[0233] In addition, the extension restriction wire 92 introduced into the curved portion 7N is inserted along the longitudinal direction of the inner surface of the curved coil 74 while one half of the wire and the other half are maintained at a predetermined distance from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0234] 36, the rear base 72A has two through holes 72c penetrating between the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface. The two through holes 72c are provided at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction (the same interval as the two through holes 71c of the front base 71A). Here, the two through holes 72c are insertion holes provided to insert the two other wire ends 92b of the extension restricting wire 92 from the inside of the base to the outside of the base.

[0235] The other ends 92b of the two wires, which are led from the inside to the outside of the rear base 72A through the two through holes 72c, are fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the rear base 72A using a joining means such as adhesive, soldering or welding.

[0236] The expansion restriction wires 92 thus configured are disposed inside the bending portion 7N as shown in Fig. 37. One of the two sets of expansion restriction wires 92 is disposed in the gap region G1, and the other is disposed in the gap region G2. In other words, the two sets of expansion restriction wires 92 are disposed at positions opposing each other across the central axis O inside the bending portion 7N, one set each.

[0237] In this case, one half of the extension restriction wire 92 arranged in the gap region G1 is arranged in region G1a, and the other half is arranged in region G1b. Similarly, the other half of the extension restriction wire 92 arranged in the gap region G2 is arranged in region G2a, and the other half is arranged in region G2b.

[0238] Here, regions G1a and G1b refer to two gap regions formed by disposing wire guide 76A in gap region G1. Similarly, regions G2a and G2b refer to two gap regions formed by disposing wire guide 76A in gap region G2.

[0239] On the other hand, in the endoscopic device of this embodiment, the wire guide 76A included in the bending section 7N is formed so as to have a cross-sectional shape that is crushed into a substantially flattened shape when disposed at a normal position within the curved coil 74, as shown in Fig. 37. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the wire guide 76A is shaped to match the cross-sectional shapes of the gap regions G1, G2 in which the wire guide 76A is disposed within the curved coil 74.

[0240] When the wire guide 76A is positioned at a predetermined position within the curved coil 74, the outer surface of the wire guide 76A is always in contact with the inner surface of the curved coil 74 and the outer surfaces of the multiple internal components (15, 16) and the extension-limiting wire 92.

[0241] A bending wire 75A is inserted and disposed inside the wire guide 76A. As shown in Fig. 37, the bending wire 75A is a wire member having a cross section formed in a substantially flat plate shape in accordance with the shape of the wire guide 76A.

[0242] With this configuration, the arrangement of the multiple built-in components (15, 16), the two wire guides 76A, the bending wire 75, and the extension restriction wire 92 within the bending coil 74 of the bending portion 7N is as shown in FIG.

[0243] The action of the bending section 7N in the endoscope device of this embodiment configured as described above is substantially the same as that in the first embodiment described above.

[0244] In the endoscope device of this embodiment, the bending section 7N is assembled as follows. First, the front base 71A, the bending coil 74, and the rear base 72A are assembled in the same manner as described in the first embodiment. After that, the extension restriction wire 92 is inserted and disposed at a predetermined position inside the assembled structural unit (71A, 74, 72A).

[0245] Here, the other end 92b of one half of the extension-limiting wire 92 folded back at the folded back portion 92a is inserted into one through-hole 71c of the front base 71A from the outer periphery toward the inside and introduced therein. Similarly, the other end 92b of the other half of the wire is inserted into the other through-hole 71c of the front base 71A from the outer periphery toward the inside and introduced therein.

[0246] The other ends 92b of the two wire halves are inserted toward the base end inside the structural units (71A, 74, 72A). Then, the other end 92b of one wire half is inserted from the inner circumference toward the outside through one of the through holes 72c of the rear base 72A and led out. Similarly, the other end 92b of the other wire half is inserted from the inner circumference toward the outside through the other through hole 72c of the rear base 72A and led out.

[0247] Then, the folded portion 92a is fitted into the recessed groove 71d of the front base 71A. Also, the other ends 92b of the two wire halves are fixed onto the outer circumferential surface of the rear base 72A by bonding, soldering, welding or other joining means.

[0248] Next, the multiple built-in members (15, 16) are inserted and positioned inside the structural units (71A, 74, 72A). Then, the wire guide 76A is inserted into the gap regions G1, G2. Furthermore, the bending wire 75A is inserted into the wire guide 76A. In this way, the bending portion 7N is assembled.

[0249] The action of the bending operation performed using the scope unit including the bending portion 7N assembled in this manner is approximately the same as in the above-described first embodiment and the like.

[0250] As described above, according to the eighth embodiment, it is possible to obtain substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment, etc. Furthermore, in the configuration of this embodiment, since the wire guide 76A has a substantially flattened cross-sectional shape, it is possible to obtain an effect that it is easy to determine the bending direction.

[0251] In addition, since the wire guide 76A is formed to fit the shape of a predetermined gap area, it is possible to more effectively prevent the positional deviation of the wire guide 76A during bending operation. Therefore, it is possible to perform an accurate bending operation. At the same time, it is possible to contribute to improving the durability of the bending portion 7N.

[0252] Furthermore, in the eighth embodiment, the extension restriction wire 92 is provided, so that the bending portion 7N is restricted from extending beyond a predetermined length (i.e., the length restricted by the overall length of the height restriction wire 92). Therefore, when the tip is pulled to remove the endoscope from the subject, the bending portion is not extended, and as a result, the load on the multiple built-in components (15, 16) of the bending portion 7N can be reliably suppressed.

[0253] In the above-mentioned eighth embodiment, the configuration of the bending portion having a two-way bending structure is shown. However, the configuration shown in the eighth embodiment is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration example. The configuration of the above-mentioned eighth embodiment can also be applied to a bending portion having a four-way bending structure, for example. FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the bending portion in the above-mentioned eighth embodiment.

[0254] As shown in FIG. 38, the bending portion 7P shown in this modified example is configured to have four wire guides 76A, four bending wires 75A, two sets (four) of extension limiting wires 92, and a plurality of built-in objects (15, 16) inside the bending coil 74.

[0255] In this case, the extension restriction wire 92 is disposed in a gap region G12 formed between circumferentially adjacent wire guides 76A inside the curved coil 74. In this modified example, each of the multiple built-in objects (15, 16) is branched into two. These multiple built-in objects (15, 16) are disposed by passing through the vicinity of the approximate center of the curved coil 74. Meanwhile, the wire guide 76A and the extension restriction wire 92 are disposed along the inner surface of the curved coil 74 and in contact with the outer surfaces of the multiple built-in objects (15, 16).

[0256] In this manner, the four wire guides 76A, the multiple extension restriction wires 92, and the multiple built-in components (15, 16) are closely arranged with their outer surfaces in contact with one another within the bending coil 74 of the bending portion 7P. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the wire guides 76A from shifting in the circumferential direction during bending operation, and to perform accurate bending operation.

[0257] [Ninth embodiment] Next, an endoscope device according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 39 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration in the vicinity of a tip portion including a bending portion of a scope unit in an endoscope device according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

[0258] The basic configuration of the endoscope device of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment described above. The difference in this embodiment is that a bending section 7Q is further configured by adding an intermediate connector 93. As with the first embodiment described above, this embodiment shows a configuration example of a bending section having a two-way bending structure.

[0259] A bending section 7Q of an insertion section 2Q of an endoscope device in this embodiment is configured in a form divided into two parts at a substantially middle portion into a front half portion closer to the tip in the longitudinal direction and a rear half portion closer to the base end.

[0260] To achieve this, the curved coil 74Q in the curved portion 7Q is made up of two members: a first curved coil 74Q1 disposed closer to the tip end and a second curved coil 74Q2 disposed closer to the base end. The first curved coil 74Q1 and the second curved coil 74Q2 are connected by an intermediate base 93 disposed at approximately the middle position of the curved portion 7Q.

[0261] The intermediate base 93 is a connecting member having a generally cylindrical shape as a whole. The intermediate base 93 has an outwardly protruding flange portion 93a formed in a generally central portion in the longitudinal direction.

[0262] Further, the intermediate base 93 has a first cylindrical portion 93b formed on the tip side of the flange portion 93a. The base end 74Q1b of the first curved coil 74Q1 is wound and fixed on the outer periphery side of the first cylindrical portion 93b. Similarly, the intermediate base 93 has a second cylindrical portion 93c formed on the base side of the flange portion 93a. The tip end 74Q2b of the second curved coil 74Q2 is wound and fixed on the outer periphery side of the second cylindrical portion 93c. In this manner, the base end 74Q1b of the first curved coil 74Q1 and the tip end 74Q2b of the second curved coil 74Q2 are arranged in a state in which they are respectively abutted against the front and rear surfaces of the flange portion 93a of the intermediate base 93. Here, the flange portion 93a has a function of regulating the positions of the base end 74Q1b of the first curved coil 74Q1 and the tip end 74Q2b of the second curved coil 74Q2.

[0263] A tip 74Q1a of the first curved coil 74Q1 is wound and fixed around the outer periphery of the small diameter portion 71b of the front base 71. A base end 74Q2a of the second curved coil 74Q2 is wound and fixed around the outer periphery of the small diameter portion 72b of the rear base 72. That is, the fixing structure between the most distal end portion of the curved coil 74Q and the front base 71 and the fixing structure between the most proximal end portion of the curved coil 74Q and the rear base 72 are substantially similar to those in the first embodiment described above.

[0264] Each of the front curved coil 74Qa and the rear curved coil 74Qb is made of a roughly wound coil member having a generally cylindrical shape. In this case, the front curved coil 74Qa and the rear curved coil 74Qb have different winding shapes. For example, the first curved coil 74Q1 has a winding shape with a larger pitch than the second curved coil 74Q2. With this configuration, the curved coil 74Q is configured so that the first curved coil 74Q1 on the tip side is easier to bend than the second curved coil 74Q2 on the base end side.

[0265] As described above, the first curved coil 74Q1 is connected to the first cylindrical portion 93b of the intermediate base 93. Similarly, the second curved coil 74Q2 is connected to the second cylindrical portion 93c. Therefore, the flange portion 93a is set to a height that is approximately equal to or slightly larger than the coil wire diameters of the first curved coil 74Q1 and the second curved coil 74Q2. With this configuration, even when the first curved coil 74Q1 and the second curved coil 74Q2 are wound and fixed around the first cylindrical portion 93b and the second cylindrical portion 93c of the intermediate base 93, the outer diameters of the first curved coil 74Q1 and the second curved coil 74Q2 do not protrude beyond the flange portion 93a.

[0266] Meanwhile, two wire guides 76 are inserted into the intermediate base 93. In this case, the two wire guides 76 are disposed at positions that are substantially opposite each other across the central axis O. The outer surfaces of the substantially middle portions of the two wire guides 76 in the longitudinal direction are fixed to the inner surface of the intermediate base 93. For the fixing in this case, a joining means such as adhesive, soldering, or welding is used.

[0267] With this configuration, the intermediate connector 93 functions as a connector member provided for fixing the wire guide 76 at a substantially intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction.

[0268] In this embodiment having such a configuration, the arrangement of the multiple built-in components (15, 16), the two wire guides 76, and the bending wire 75 in the bending coil 74Q of the bending portion 7Q is substantially the same as in the first embodiment described above (see FIG. 4).

[0269] Moreover, the action of the bending portion 7Q in the endoscope device of this embodiment is also approximately the same as that in the above-described first embodiment.

[0270] In the endoscope device of this embodiment, the bending section 7N is assembled as follows. First, in substantially the same manner as described in the first embodiment, the front base 71 is connected to the tip 74Q1a of the first curved coil 74Q1. The base end 74Q1b of the first curved coil 74Q1 is connected to the intermediate base 93. The intermediate base 93 is connected to the tip 74Q2b of the second curved coil 74Q2. The base end 74Q2a of the second curved coil 74Q2 is connected to the rear base 72.

[0271] The two wire guides 76 are inserted into the thus assembled structural unit (71, 74Q1, 93, 74Q2, 72) and placed at predetermined positions. At this time, the wire guides 76 are accurately fixed at approximately the center position of the curved portion 7Q, that is, at predetermined positions on the inner surface of the intermediate base 93.

[0272] Then, the multiple built-in components (15, 16) are inserted and disposed inside the structural units (71, 74Q1, 93, 74Q2, 72, 76). Also, the bending wires 75 are inserted through the two wire guides 76, respectively. In this way, the bending portion 7Q is assembled.

[0273] As described above, according to the ninth embodiment, it is possible to obtain substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment, etc. Furthermore, in the configuration of this embodiment, an intermediate connector 93 is provided at a substantially central portion of the bending portion 7Q, and the substantially central portions of the two wire guides 76 are fixed to the inner surface of the intermediate connector 93.

[0274] With this configuration, when a bending operation is performed, the movement amount of the wire guides 76 that move in conjunction with the bending operation is shortened. Therefore, with this configuration of the present embodiment, it is possible to further prevent the positional deviation of each wire guide 76 that occurs during a bending operation. At the same time, it is possible to reliably reduce the load on the multiple built-in components (15, 16) of the bending portion 7Q.

[0275] Furthermore, since the wire guide 76 is configured to be fixed to the intermediate connector 93, this can contribute to improving the ease of assembly of the bending portion 7Q, and can also contribute to improving the strength of the bending portion 7Q.

[0276] The form of the intermediate connector 93 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration example. For example, Fig. 40 and Fig. 41 are diagrams showing modified examples of the intermediate connector of the bending section in the endoscope device of the ninth embodiment of the present invention. Of these, Fig. 40 is a schematic perspective view showing only the intermediate connector and the wire guide. Also, Fig. 41 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane indicated by the reference symbol

[41] in Fig. 40. Fig. 41 shows only the intermediate connector.

[0277] This modification is basically similar to the above-described ninth embodiment, except for the configurations of an intermediate base 93A and a wire guide 76Q.

[0278] In this modification, the outer shape of the intermediate base 93A is basically similar to that of the intermediate base 93 shown in the above-described ninth embodiment. The intermediate base 93A in this modification is different in that a first through hole 93Ad and a plurality of second through holes 93Ae are formed.

[0279] The first through hole 93Ad is a large-diameter through hole that passes through substantially the center of the housing 93. The first through hole 93Ad is provided to allow a plurality of internal components (15, 16) to pass therethrough.

[0280] In the configuration example shown in the present modified example, the first through hole 93Ad of the intermediate base 93A is formed as a single through hole. A bundle of the built-in objects (15, 16) is inserted through this single first through hole 93Ad. However, this is not limited to the configuration. For example, although not shown in the drawings, a configuration may be adopted in which multiple first through holes 93Ad are formed and the multiple built-in objects (15, 16) are inserted separately.

[0281] The second through hole 93Ae is a small-diameter through hole provided near the outer periphery of the intermediate base 93A and penetrating in the direction along the axis center. In this case, the second through hole 93Ae is provided outside the area where the first through hole 93Aa is arranged. The second through hole 93Ae is provided to allow the bending wire 75 to pass through.

[0282] In the configuration example shown in the present modification, the second through hole 93Ae of the intermediate base 93A is formed as two through holes. The bending wire 75 is inserted into each of the two second through holes 93Ae. With this configuration, in the configuration of the present modification, a bending portion with a two-way bending structure is formed.

[0283] Therefore, for example, although not shown in the drawings, a configuration in which four second through holes 93Ae are formed in an area other than the area in which the first through holes 93Ad are arranged is also considered. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to easily configure a bending portion with a four-way bending structure.

[0284] The configuration on the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate base 93A is substantially similar to that of the ninth embodiment described above, and includes a flange portion 93Aa, a first cylindrical portion 93Ab, and a second cylindrical portion 93Ac. The base end of a first curved coil (not shown) is fixed to the first cylindrical portion 93Ab. The tip end of a second curved coil (not shown) is fixed to the second cylindrical portion 93Ac. The base end of the first curved coil and the tip end of the second curved coil abut against the flange portion 93Aa to regulate their positions. These configurations are substantially similar to those of the intermediate base 93 of the ninth embodiment described above. Therefore, the first curved coil and the second curved coil in this modification are the same as those shown in the ninth embodiment described above.

[0285] On the other hand, the wire guide 76Q is composed of two members, a first wire guide 76Q1 arranged toward the tip end and a second wire guide 76Q2 arranged toward the base end. The first wire guide 76Q1 and the second wire guide 76Q2 are arranged to abut against an intermediate connector 93A that is arranged at approximately the middle position of the curved section.

[0286] In this modified example having such a configuration, the arrangement of the multiple built-in objects (15, 16), wire guide 76Q, and bending wire 75 in the bending coil of the bending portion is as shown in FIG. 41. In FIG. 41, the multiple built-in objects (15, 16), wire guide 76Q, and bending wire 75 are illustrated by two-dot chain lines. In this case, the multiple built-in objects (15, 16) are arranged by being inserted through the first through hole 93Ad of the intermediate connector 93A. The wire guide 76Q is abutted against the front surface of the intermediate connector 93A and fixed. The bending wire 75 is arranged by being inserted through the wire guide 76Q and then through the second through hole 93Ae of the intermediate connector 93A.

[0287] Moreover, the action of the bending portion in the endoscope apparatus to which the configuration of this modified example is applied is approximately the same as that of the above-mentioned ninth embodiment.

[0288] In this modified example, the operation for assembling the curved portion is as follows: First, in substantially the same manner as described in the above-mentioned ninth embodiment, the front base (71), the first curved coil (74Q1), the intermediate base 93A, the second curved coil (74Q2), and the rear base (72) are connected.

[0289] The first wire guide 76Q1 is inserted from the tip side toward the inside of the assembled structural unit (71, 74Q1, 93A, 74Q2, 72) and placed in a predetermined position. That is, the base end of the first wire guide 76Q1 is abutted against the front surface of the intermediate connector 93A. At this time, the base end face of the first wire guide 76Q1 is placed near the periphery of the second through hole 93Ae of the intermediate connector 93A. As a result, the hollow portion of the first wire guide 76Q1 is inserted into the second through hole 93Ae. This operation is performed for the two first wire guides 76Q1.

[0290] Similarly, the second wire guide 76Q2 is inserted from the base end side toward the inside of the component unit (71, 74Q1, 93A, 74Q2, 72) and placed at a predetermined position. That is, the tip of the second wire guide 76Q2 is abutted against the rear surface of the intermediate connector 93A. At this time, the tip surface of the second wire guide 76Q1 is placed near the periphery of the second through hole 93Ae of the intermediate connector 93A. As a result, the hollow portion of the second wire guide 76Q2 is inserted into the second through hole 93Ae. This operation is performed for the two second wire guides 76Q2.

[0291] Then, the multiple built-in components (15, 16) are inserted and arranged inside the structural units (71, 74Q1, 93, 74Q2, 72, 76). At this time, the multiple built-in components (15, 16) are inserted through the first through holes 93Ad of the intermediate base 93A. Also, the bending wires 75 are inserted through each of the two wire guides 76Q. In this way, the bending portion is assembled.

[0292] Even with this modified configuration, substantially the same effects as those of the above-mentioned ninth embodiment can be obtained.

[0293] [Tenth embodiment] Next, an endoscope device according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Figs. 42 to 44 are diagrams showing the tenth embodiment of the present invention. Of these, Fig. 42 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the vicinity of the tip portion including the bending portion of the scope unit in the endoscope device according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 42, in order to avoid complicating the drawing, some components (such as an outer skin tube) in the bending portion are omitted. Fig. 43 is a cross-sectional view of the bending portion along the plane indicated by the symbol

[43] in Fig. 42. Fig. 44 is a cross-sectional view along the line

[44] -

[44] in Fig. 43.

[0294] The basic configuration of the endoscope device of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of the above-described first embodiment. The difference in the configuration of this embodiment is that the bending section 7R of the insertion section 2R further includes an inner mouthpiece 94 and a center rod 95. This embodiment shows a configuration example of a bending section having a two-way bending structure, similar to the above-described first embodiment.

[0295] The inner mouthpiece 94 is provided inside the front mouthpiece 71 and the rear mouthpiece 72, and is a component for positioning and fixing the tip or base end of the wire guide 76. As shown in Figs. 42 and 44, the inner mouthpiece 94 has a substantially tubular shape that can be inserted into the front mouthpiece 71 and the rear mouthpiece 72. A partition wall 94a is formed inside the inner mouthpiece 94, connecting the opposing inner surfaces and passing through the central axis O (see Figs. 42 to 44). The partition wall 94a divides the internal space of the inner mouthpiece 94 into two regions. Here, the two regions divided by the partition wall 94a are referred to as a first region 94b and a second region 94c (see Figs. 42 and 44), respectively. A plurality of built-in objects (15, 16) are inserted into the first region 94b and the second region 94c.

[0296] In this embodiment, for example, the light guide cable 15 is inserted and disposed in the first region 94b as shown in Fig. 44. Also, for example, the signal line 16 is inserted and disposed in the second region 94c.

[0297] Further, through holes 94d and 94e are formed in the inner mouthpiece 94. Of these, the through holes 94d are formed in two places near the outer periphery of the partition wall 94a and penetrate the partition wall 94a in a direction parallel to the central axis O. Ends (tip or base ends) of the wire guide 76 are fitted and fixed in the two through holes 94d. For this reason, the inner diameters of the two through holes 94d are formed to be substantially equal to but slightly larger than the outer diameter of the wire guide 76.

[0298] Further, the through hole 94d is provided at a position that substantially coincides with the central axis O, and penetrates the partition wall 94a in a direction along the central axis O. An end of the center rod 95 is fixed to the through hole 94d. In this case, the fixing is performed by a joining means such as adhesion, soldering, or welding.

[0299] The center rod 95 is a rod-shaped member that is inserted through the central axis O of the curved portion 7R. The center rod 95 is made of a material that is flexible and does not easily expand or contract in the longitudinal direction.

[0300] With this configuration, the arrangement of the multiple built-in components (15, 16), the two wire guides 76, and the center rod 95 within the inner base 94 is as shown in FIG.

[0301] Moreover, the action of the bending portion in the endoscope device to which the configuration of this modified example is applied is approximately the same as in the above-described first embodiment.

[0302] In the endoscope device of this embodiment, the bending section 7R is assembled as follows: First, the front base 71, the bending coil 74, and the rear base 72 are connected together in a manner similar to that described in the first embodiment.

[0303] Next, the tips of the wire guide 76 are fixed to the two through holes 94d in one of the two inner mouthpieces 94 (the one located on the tip side). Also, the tip of the center rod 95 is fixed to the through hole 94e in the inner mouthpiece 94.

[0304] Next, the two wire guides 76 and the center rod 95 are inserted through the assembled structural unit (71, 74, 72) from the tip side (front base 71 side) of the structural unit (71, 74, 72). Then, the one inner base 94 is fitted into the inside of the front base 71.

[0305] Next, the other inner mouthpiece 94 is fitted into the rear mouthpiece 72. In this state, the base end of the wire guide 76 is fixed into the two through holes 94d of the other inner mouthpiece 94. Also, the base end of the center rod 95 is fixed into the through hole 94e. Note that the fixing of the base ends of the wire guide 76 and the center rod 95 to the inner mouthpiece 94 on the rear mouthpiece 72 side can be performed by bringing the curved coil 74 into a contracted state.

[0306] Next, the multiple built-in components (15, 16) are inserted and positioned inside the first region 94b and the second region 94c of the inner base 94. Also, the bending wires 75 are inserted through each of the two wire guides 76. In this way, the bending portion 7R is assembled.

[0307] As described above, according to the tenth embodiment, substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment and the like can be obtained. Furthermore, in the configuration of this embodiment, the bending portion 7R is provided with a center rod 95 made of a material that is difficult to expand and contract in the long axis direction, so that an efficient bending operation can be realized. In addition, the center rod 95 also has a function of restricting the extension of the bending portion 7R. With this configuration, when the scope unit 1 is used, when the insertion portion 2 is inserted into or removed from a curved pipe or the like, the bending portion 7R does not extend beyond a predetermined length. Therefore, the load on the multiple built-in components (15, 16) in the bending portion 7R can be reduced.

[0308] [Eleventh embodiment] Next, an endoscope device according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 45 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the vicinity of the tip portion including the bending portion of the scope unit in the endoscope device according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 45, in order to avoid complicating the drawing, illustrations of components other than the main parts of this embodiment are omitted or simplified.

[0309] The basic configuration of the endoscope device of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment. In the configuration of this embodiment, the bending section 7S of the insertion section 2S has a slightly different configuration of the rear mouthpiece 72S. As with the first embodiment, this embodiment shows a configuration example of a bending section having a two-way bending structure.

[0310] The rear base 72S is composed of a base body 72Sa, a fixing ring 72Sb, and a fastening member 72Sc.

[0311] The base body 72Sa has a small diameter portion 72b formed on the outer periphery on the tip side for fixing the base end of the curved coil 74, and has a configuration substantially similar to that of the front half of the rear base 72 in the above-described first embodiment. In addition to this configuration, the base body 72Sa has a male screw 72m formed on the outer periphery on the base end side.

[0312] On the other hand, the fixing ring 72Sb is formed into a cylindrical shape as a whole, and is a member connected to the base end of the base body 72Sa. For this purpose, the fixing ring 72Sb has a female thread 72f formed on the inner peripheral surface on the tip side. Then, the male thread 72m of the base body 72Sa and the female thread 72f of the fixing ring 72Sb are screwed together, so that the base body 72Sa and the fixing ring 72Sb are connected to each other. The shape after the base body 72Sa and the fixing ring 72Sb are connected in this way is substantially the same as the rear base 72 in the first embodiment described above. An inward flange 72x is formed on the surface on the base end side of the fixing ring 72Sb.

[0313] When the base body 72Sa and the fixing ring 72Sb are connected, a fastening member 72Sc is disposed inside the connecting portion between the two (72Sa, 72Sb). The fastening member 72Sc is generally cylindrical and tapered to a smaller diameter toward the tip. The maximum diameter of the base end of the tapered shape is equal to or slightly larger than the base end inner diameter of the base body 72Sa.

[0314] An outward flange 72y is formed on the base end side of the fastening member 72Sc. The outer diameter of the outward flange 72y is set to a size that allows the outward flange 72y to be fitted into the fixing ring 72Sb from the tip side and to abut against the inward flange 72x. At the same time, the outer diameter of the outward flange 72y is formed to be approximately the same diameter as the outer shape of the base end side of the base body 72Sa.

[0315] Furthermore, in the fastening member 72Sc, a slit 72z of a predetermined length is formed in the tapered portion on the tip side, extending from the tip surface in the longitudinal direction.

[0316] The fastening member 72Sc having such a configuration is disposed between the base body 72Sa and the fixing ring 72Sb. At this time, when the male thread 72m and the female thread 72f are screwed together in the fastening direction, the fastening member 72Sc is pushed into the base end portion of the base body 72Sa, so that the tapered portion is narrowed. The multiple built-in members (15, 16) and the wire guide 76 that pass through the insertion portion 2S pass through the bending portion 7S, the rear base 72S, and then pass through the flexible tube portion 8.

[0317] Therefore, in this embodiment, the fastening member 72Sc of the rear base 72S functions as a fixing member that fastens the multiple internal components (15, 16) in the circumferential direction at the base end portion of the curved portion 7S.

[0318] In the endoscope device of this embodiment configured as described above, the action of the bending portion is approximately the same as in the first embodiment described above.

[0319] As described above, according to the eleventh embodiment, substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment and the like can be obtained. Furthermore, in the configuration of this embodiment, the rear base 72S is configured to have a fastening member 72Sc. With this configuration, the multiple internal parts (15, 16) can be reliably fixed at a predetermined position (base end portion) inside the bending portion 7S. Therefore, the movement of the multiple internal parts (15, 16) during bending operation can be suppressed. At the same time, damage to the outer surface caused by the sliding of the multiple internal parts (15, 16) can be suppressed, and unnecessary loads can be suppressed from being applied to the multiple internal parts (15, 16).

[0320] [Twelfth embodiment] Next, an endoscope device according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 46 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the vicinity of the tip portion including the bending portion of the scope unit in the endoscope device according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 46, in order to avoid complicating the drawing, components other than the main parts of this embodiment are omitted or shown in a simplified manner.

[0321] The basic configuration of the endoscope device of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment described above. In the configuration of this embodiment, the configuration of the wire guide 76T inserted through the insertion section 2T is different. Note that, like the first embodiment described above, this embodiment shows a configuration example of a bending section having a two-way bending structure.

[0322] In this embodiment, the wire guide 76T that passes through the insertion section 2T is made of an elastic tubular member (coil member) that is substantially cylindrical. The wire guide 76T has a first portion 76T1 that passes through the inside of the bending section 7T and a second portion 76T2 that passes through the inside of the flexible tube section 8. Here, the first portion 76T1 corresponds to the wire guide 76 in the first embodiment described above. Also, the second portion 76T2 corresponds to the wire guide 77 in the first embodiment described above.

[0323] In the first embodiment described above, the wire guide 76 and the wire guide 77 are formed of separate members. However, in this embodiment, the wire guide 76T is formed of a single member in which the first portion 76T1 and the second portion 76T2 are continuously formed. That is, the wire guide 76T is formed of a single coil member. In this case, the first portion 76T1 on the tip side is made of a coarsely wound coil. Also, the second portion 76T2 on the base end side is made of a densely wound coil. The first portion 76T1 has a length substantially equal to the length of the curved portion 7T, i.e., the length (natural length) of the curved coil 74.

[0324] The tip of the wire guide 76T is fixed to the inner circumference of the front mouthpiece 71. The base end of the wire guide 76T is inserted into the bending section 7T and the flexible tube section 8 without being fixed.

[0325] A bending wire 75 is inserted through the wire guide 76T. In the present embodiment, the bending wire 75 is configured such that, for example, one wire member is folded back inside the front base 71 and the folded back portion is fixed to the inner surface of the front base 71, as shown in FIG.

[0326] In this embodiment having such a configuration, the arrangement of the multiple built-in components (15, 16), the two wire guides 76T, and the bending wire 75 in the bending coil 74 of the bending portion 7T is substantially the same as in the first embodiment described above (see FIG. 4). Also, the action of the bending portion 7T in the endoscopic device of this embodiment is substantially the same as in the first embodiment described above.

[0327] As described above, according to the twelfth embodiment, substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment and the like can be obtained. Furthermore, in the configuration of this embodiment, the wire guide 76T is configured from a single coil member that passes from the bending section 7T through the flexible tube section 8. This configuration allows the configuration to be simplified. At the same time, no circumferential positional deviation of the wire guide occurs at the connection portion between the bending section and the flexible tube section. Therefore, a smoother bending operation can be performed.

[0328] [Thirteenth embodiment] In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, for example, a bending coil is used to realize the bending structure of the bending portion. The endoscopic device according to the thirteenth and fourteenth embodiments of the present invention described below is an example in which a component other than the bending coil is used to realize the bending structure of the bending portion.

[0329] First, an endoscope device according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 47 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the vicinity of the tip portion including the bending portion of the scope unit in the endoscope device according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 47, in order to avoid complicating the drawing, illustrations of components other than the main parts of this embodiment are omitted or simplified.

[0330] The basic configuration of the endoscope device of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment. In the configuration of this embodiment, the configuration of the bending section 7U of the insertion section 2U is slightly different. Note that, like the first embodiment, this embodiment shows a configuration example of a bending section having a two-way bending structure.

[0331] In this embodiment, the bending section 7U is composed of an outer tube (not shown), a front base 71, a rear base 72, a fixed base (not shown), a curved pipe 74U, a plurality (two) of wire guides 76, a plurality (two) of guide coils 76Ux, etc. Among these, the components other than the curved pipe 74U and the guide coils 76Ux are the same as those exemplified in the first embodiment described above. Also, the guide coils 76Ux are substantially the same as those exemplified in the fifth embodiment described above.

[0332] The curved pipe 74U is a component for realizing the curved structure of the curved portion 7U. The curved pipe 74U is made of a tubular member (pipe member) having an elastic, generally cylindrical shape. The curved pipe 74U has a plurality of slits formed along the circumferential direction lined up in the longitudinal direction. By forming the plurality of slits in the pipe member, the curved pipe 74U has a freely curved structure.

[0333] Two wire guides 76 and two guide coils 76Ux are inserted into the curved pipe 74U. At this time, the outer surfaces of the two wire guides 76 and the two guide coils 76Ux are in contact with each other at parts thereof, and at the same time, each of the outer surfaces is in contact with the inner surface of the curved pipe 74U at parts thereof.

[0334] The bending wire 75 is inserted through the two wire guides 76. A plurality of built-in objects (15, 16) are inserted through each of the two guide coils 76Ux. The plurality of wire guides 76 and the plurality of guide coils 76Ux are all made of loosely wound coil members.

[0335] In this embodiment having such a configuration, the arrangement of the two guide coils 76Ux, the multiple built-in components (15, 16), the two wire guides 76, the bending wire 75, etc. within the bending pipe 74U of the bending section 7U is substantially the same as in the first embodiment described above (see FIG. 4).

[0336] The function of the bending section 7U in the endoscope device of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the configuration of this embodiment, the bending pipe 74U is used as a component of the bending section 7U, and this is expected to improve the strength against external compressive force.

[0337] [Fourteenth embodiment] Next, an endoscope device according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Figs. 48 to 50 are diagrams for explaining the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. Of these, Fig. 48 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a bending portion of a scope unit in an endoscope device according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 48, in order to avoid complicating the drawing, components other than the main parts of this embodiment are omitted or simplified. Fig. 49 is a cross-sectional view along the plane indicated by the reference numerals

[49] -

[49] in Fig. 48. Fig. 50 is a schematic perspective view showing bending pieces constituting the bending portion of a scope unit in an endoscope device according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0338] The basic configuration of the endoscope device of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of the above-mentioned thirteenth embodiment. The difference in the configuration of this embodiment is that a bending piece unit 74V is used instead of the bending pipe 74U constituting the bending portion of the insertion portion. Note that this embodiment shows a configuration example of a bending portion having a two-way bending structure, similar to the above-mentioned thirteenth embodiment.

[0339] In this embodiment, the bending portion 7V is composed of an outer tube (not shown), a front base 71, a rear base 72, a fixed base (not shown), a bending piece unit 74V, a plurality (two) of wire guides 76, a plurality (two) of guide coils 76Ux, etc. Among these, the components other than the bending piece unit 74V are similar to those exemplified in the above-mentioned thirteenth embodiment.

[0340] The bending piece unit 74V is a component for realizing the bending structure of the bending portion 7V. The bending piece unit 74V is made of a generally elastic cylindrical member. To this end, the bending piece unit 74V is formed by arranging a plurality of bending pieces (see symbols 74Va and 74Vb in FIG. 48; details will be described later) along the longitudinal direction of the bending portion 7V.

[0341] The bending piece unit 74V is formed to have a first bending region 74V1 and a second bending region 74V2.

[0342] Of these, the first bending region 74V1 is disposed on the distal end side of the bending portion 7V. The first bending region 74V1 is formed by arranging a plurality of first bending pieces 74Va in the longitudinal direction. The second bending region 74V1 is disposed on the proximal end side of the bending portion 7V. The second bending region 74V1 is formed by arranging a plurality of second bending pieces 74Vb in the longitudinal direction.

[0343] Here, the first bending piece 74Va and the second bending piece 74Vb are generally cylindrical in shape as a whole, as shown in Fig. 50, and are formed with a convex portion 74Vx at one end in the long axis direction and a concave portion 74Vy at the other end. Since the first bending piece 74Va and the second bending piece 74Vb have substantially the same shape, in the following description, the first bending piece 74Va and the second bending piece 74Vb will be simply referred to as bending pieces. The differences between the two (74Vx, 74Vy) will be described later.

[0344] The convex portion 74Vx formed on the bending piece protrudes outward in the long axis direction from the outer circumferential edge of one end of the bending piece. The tip of the convex portion 74Vx is formed in a substantially arc shape. The convex portions 74Vx are provided at positions on the outer circumferential edge of the bending piece that face each other across the central axis O.

[0345] The recess 74Vy formed in the bending piece is formed on the outer peripheral edge of the other end of the bending piece, and has a shape recessed from the outer peripheral surface. In this case, the recess 74Vy is formed to match the shape of the convex portion 74Vx. Therefore, the tip of the recess 74Vy is also formed in a substantially arc shape. The recesses 74Vy are provided at positions facing each other across the central axis O on the outer peripheral edge of the bending piece. Here, the recesses 74Vy are formed at positions corresponding to the convex portion 74Vx. Therefore, when a plurality of bending pieces configured in this way are arranged and connected in the long axis direction, the convex portion 74Vx is engaged with the recess 74Vy. In this way, when a compressive force in the long axis direction is applied between adjacent bending pieces in a state in which both (74Vx, 74Vy) are engaged with each other, the adjacent bending pieces maintain the connected state and become rotatable relative to each other at the contact position of the convex portion 74Vx and the recess 74Vy. With this configuration, the bending piece unit 74V as a whole acquires a structure that is freely bendable.

[0346] In the bending section 7V in this embodiment, the above-mentioned compressive force applied to the bending pieces is obtained by the following configuration. A bending piece unit 74V in which a plurality of bending pieces are connected is arranged with a plurality of built-in members (15, 16) inserted therethrough, as shown in Fig. 49. Here, in the configuration of this embodiment, the plurality of built-in members (15, 16) are inserted through a plurality of (two) guide coils 76Ux, similar to the above-mentioned thirteenth embodiment.

[0347] A plurality of (two) wire guides 76 are inserted and arranged in the gaps between the plurality of (two) guide coils 76Ux through which the plurality of built-in components (15, 16) are inserted. The plurality of (two) wire guides 76 are made of a loosely wound coil member. When the plurality of (two) wire guides 76 are inserted into the inside of the bending piece unit 74V, both ends of the wire guides 76 are fixed to both inner faces of the bending piece unit 74V.

[0348] In this case, the length of the multiple (two) wire guides 76 in a natural state is set to be slightly shorter than the natural length of the bending piece unit 74V. Therefore, when the multiple (two) wire guides 76 are inserted inside the bending piece unit 74V and both ends of each wire guide 76 are fixed to both inner faces of the bending piece unit 74V, each wire guide 76 is elongated from its natural length.

[0349] As a result, the compressive force by each wire guide 76 is always applied in the long axis direction of the bending piece unit 74V. As a result, the bending pieces of the bending piece unit 74V are maintained connected to each other in a state in which the convex portions 74Vx and the concave portions 74Vy press against each other.

[0350] The gap between adjacent bending pieces is different between the first bending region 74V1 and the second bending region 74V2. In this case, the gap between the first bending pieces 74Va in the first bending region 74V1 is set wider than the gap between the second bending pieces 74Vb in the second bending region 74V2. To achieve this, the length of the recess of each bending piece in the major axis direction (see symbol C1 in FIG. 50) is changed to adjust the gap between each bending piece.

[0351] For example, when the length in the major axis direction of the recess 74Vy of the first bending piece 74Va is C1a and the length in the major axis direction of the recess 74Vy of the second bending piece 74Vb is C1b, the relationship between the two is C1a>C1b.

[0352] This allows the gap between the first bending pieces 74Va in the first bending region 74V1 to be set wider than the gap between the second bending pieces 74Vb in the second bending region 74V2. This allows the tip to be curved more significantly and the base end to be curved less significantly than the tip. The bending shape of the bending portion is taken into consideration according to the shape of the subject, making examination easier.

[0353] In this embodiment having such a configuration, the arrangement of the two guide coils 76Ux, the multiple built-in components (15, 16), the two wire guides 76, and the bending wire 75 within the bending piece unit 74V of the bending portion 7V is as shown in FIG.

[0354] In the endoscope device of this embodiment, the bending portion 7V is assembled as follows. First, multiple bending pieces (74Va, 74Vb) are connected in a predetermined form, and two guide coils 76Ux are inserted and arranged inside them. After that, two wire guides 76 are inserted in an extended state into the gaps between the two guide coils 76Ux, and both ends are fixed to the inner surfaces of both ends of the bending piece unit 74V. As a result, the bending piece unit 74V is assembled in a state in which a compressive force is applied in the long axis direction.

[0355] The front base 71, the rear base 72, and the like are connected to this bending piece unit 74V in substantially the same manner as described in the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0356] The built-in components (15, 16) are inserted into the two guide coils 76Ux and placed at predetermined positions inside the assembled structural unit (71, 74V, 72, 76Ux, 76). The bending wire 75 is also inserted into the two wire guides 76. This completes the bending section 7V.

[0357] The action of the bending section 7V in the endoscope device of this embodiment configured as described above is substantially the same as that of the thirteenth embodiment described above. In the configuration of this embodiment, the bending section 7V is exemplified as having a two-way bending structure. In the case of this configuration, if an external force is applied from a direction different from the direction in which the bending wire 75 is used to actively bend the bending section 7V, the bending section 7V may be forced to bend, and as a result, the connecting portions between the bending pieces may come off.

[0358] However, in this embodiment, the wire guide 76 is fixed in an extended state inside the bending piece unit 74V. As a result, the connected state between the bending pieces of the bending piece unit 74V is maintained by the compressive force of the wire guide 76. At the same time, when the external force is removed, the bending piece unit 74V returns to a straight state by the compressive force of the wire guide 76, and the disconnected connected parts are also restored. Therefore, the configuration of this embodiment has high resistance to unintended external forces acting on the bending portion 7V.

[0359] As described above, according to the 14th embodiment, it is possible to obtain substantially the same effects as the 13th embodiment. Furthermore, in the configuration of this embodiment, the bending piece unit 74V consisting of a plurality of bending pieces is adopted as a component for realizing the bending structure of the bending portion 7V, so that it is possible to realize a more accurate bending operation. Furthermore, since the wire guide 76 in an extended state is arranged inside the bending piece unit 74V, it is possible to ensure a degree of freedom against an external force, which contributes to improving resistance against the external force.

[0360] In the above-described fourteenth embodiment, in addition to the configuration in which the extended wire guide 76 is provided in the bending piece units 74V, a wire member that holds the connection of the bending piece units 74V may be further provided.

[0361] In this case, a through hole penetrating in the longitudinal direction may be provided on the outer peripheral edge of each bending piece, and a wire member for connection and retention may be inserted into this through hole. With this configuration, the bending pieces can maintain their connected state even when they are subjected to an external force and become unreasonably bent.

[0362] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications and applications can be implemented within the scope of the gist of the invention. Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiment includes inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriate combinations of the disclosed multiple constituent elements. For example, even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the above-mentioned one embodiment, if the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved and the effect of the invention can be obtained, the configuration from which the constituent elements are deleted can be extracted as the invention. Furthermore, the constituent elements across different embodiments may be appropriately combined. The present invention is not restricted by its specific embodiment except as limited by the attached claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0363] 1...Scope unit 2,2B,2D,2E,2F,2G,2L,2Q,2R,2S,2T,2U...insertion part 3...Operation unit 4…Main body 5…Cable 6,6F…Tip 7,7A,7B,7D,7E,7F,7G,7H,7J,7K,7L,7M,7N,7P,7Q,7R,7S,7T,7U,7V...Curved part 8...Flexible tube section 9...Bending operation lever 10…Connector section 11...Tip connector 12...Display device 13th, 13th floor…Lighting window 14...Observation window 15…Light guide cable 16...Signal line 61...Tip body 61a...Small diameter part 70…Outer tube 71, 71A…Front cap 71a...Large diameter part 71b...Small diameter part 71c...Through hole 71d…Groove 72, 72A, 72S…Rear cap 72Sa… Base body 72Sb…Fixed ring 72Sc…Tightening member 72a…Large diameter part 72b…Small diameter part 72c...Through hole 72x…Inward flange 72y…Outward flange 72z...Slit 73…Fixed cap 73a...Guide tube 74, 74A, 74Q... Curved coil 74Aa…Tightly wound tip 74Ab… Base end densely wound section 74Aca…First coarse winding section 74Acb…Second coarse winding section 74U…Bent pipe 74V…Bending piece unit 74Va…First bending piece 74Vb…Second bending piece 75,75A…Bent wire 76, 76A, 76E, 76F, 76G, 76Q, 76T...Wire guide 76B...Pipe material 76C...Coil material 76D…Guide tube 76x, 76Ux...Guide coil 77…Insertion Wire Guide 78…Outer tube 78 79…Central member 80…Bundle wire 81…Front cap 82...Flexible tube 82 90, 91, 91A, 94…Inner cap 90a...Bulkhead 91a, 91Aa...Through hole 91b...through groove 91y…extension area 92… Extension control wire 92a…Folded section 93,93A…Intermediate cap 93a, 93Aa...Flange section 94a…Bulkhead 94b…First area 94c…Second area 94d, 94e...Through hole 95...Center bar 100...Endoscope device

Claims

1. A curved portion formed of a coil; A bending wire fixed to a tip of the bending portion; At least two guide parts through which the bending wire is inserted and which are disposed inside the bending part; A plurality of built-in objects are inserted into the curved portion; having The at least two guide parts are arranged in a first region with respect to a straight line connecting the central axes of at least two of the built-in objects among the plurality of built-in objects, and the other guide part is arranged in a second region on the opposite side of the straight line, An endoscope device characterized in that the guide portion is arranged in contact with at least one of the multiple built-in objects and an inner surface of the bending portion.

2. The endoscope device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sum of the diameters (D2+D3) of at least two of the multiple internal bodies is D1≧D2+D3 with respect to the inner diameter D1 of the bending portion.

3. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the guide portion is a tubular member having elasticity.

4. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the cylindrical member is a coil.

5. The curved portion further includes a central member disposed at an axial center, The endoscopic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sum of the outer diameter D5 of the central member and the outer diameter D4xn of the guide members (n is the number of guide members (n is an integer)) is the inner diameter D1 of the bending portion (D1 ≧ D5 + D4xn).

6. The curved portion further has a base on each end, The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein an inner surface of the base contacts at least one built-in object.

7. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the base further comprises a fixing member.

8. The endoscope device according to claim 6, wherein the base is disposed in a middle region in a longitudinal direction of the bending portion.

9. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the base and the fixing member are fixed by screws.

10. The endoscope device according to claim 1, wherein the guide portions are arranged at positions symmetrical with respect to a line connecting the central axes of at least two of the plurality of internal bodies.

11. 2. The endoscope device according to claim 1, wherein the internal components include a first internal component and a second internal component of a different type from the first internal component.

12. 12. The endoscope device according to claim 11, wherein the built-in components include at least a light guide as a first built-in component and a signal line as a second built-in component.

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